KTM has released technical information regarding its new semi-automatic transmission, the gearbox that was publicly tested at this year’s Erzberg Rodeo and of which teaser photos were released. The system has been baptized by KTM as AMT – Automated Manuel Shift.
In contrast to the systems of Yamaha and BMW, which use a traditional clutch operated via a servo motor, KTM has opted for a Rekluse centrifugal clutch as has been used in some MV Agusta models for years. The advantage of this system is that only the automated switching needs to be programmed and not the coupling.
The Automated Manuel Transmission has a changed shift pattern compared to a conventional gearbox. Instead of the neutral between 1st and 22nd gear, the AMT has a P – N – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 order, where the P stands for PARK, the position prevents the engine from rolling unwantedly thanks to a locking pin in the gearbox. KTM is the first brand to provide an automatic transmission with a P option, something that should actually be mandatory.
According to KTM, both PARK and NEUTRAL positions can only be selected via the paddles on the handlebars, regardless of whether the engine is running or not. To select first gear, the brake lever of the front brake or the brake pedal of the rear brake must be ground or depressed. Once first gear is selected it’s just a matter of stepping on the gas and it’s off to that banana – erm… orange orange.
KTM only gives you the choice of automatic transmission in A Mode and manual shifting in M Mode. Manual shifting is done via the paddles on the steering wheel. As far as the shifting speed is concerned, the gearbox is electronically controlled via the ECU and Transmission Control Unit TCU. Shifting is initiated by an electromechanical ‘gear lever’, which in turn operates the shift roller.
According to KTM, this achieves a shifting speed of 50 milliseconds, which is comparable to a traditional transmission with Quickshifter+. The KTM AMT only gives you the choice of A Mode or M Mode, but says it has linked the automatic transmission to the riding mode, with each riding mode having a suitable shift pattern. In M Mode you decide that yourself.
KTM emphasizes that manual feels just as sporty as a conventional gearbox and that no compromises have been made in terms of speed and agility, by keeping the weight of the system as low as possible.
The completely new KTM AMT will initially be used on a limited number of models, the range will be further expanded in the coming years.
– Thanks for information from Motorfreaks.