Watch: How KTM's Clutch-Less AMT Automatic Works In Motorcycles

When we think of KTM, popular models such as the Duke 390, RC 390, or Adventure 390 come to mind. Over the years, the brand has built a robust reputation in India for producing exciting, rider-oriented motorcycles that have a unique characteristic when compared to all other rivals. However, KTM also builds an extensive range of high-powered large motorcycles that can do everything from track days to cross-country tours and more recently, they built their own Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that has recently debuted with the KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO. Here's a visual representation of how the technology works.

Watch here:

As we just saw, KTM's AMT system allows the rider to choose between a clutch-less mode (M) or a throttle-and-go mode (A).

Depending on the mode, the rider can either shift gears manually using the gear lever or paddle shifter, or they can depend on the motorcycle to make shifts automatically. This would make riding heavy bikes in traffic or over bad patches a breeze, as the AMT does not require a traditional clutch operation. Instead, the KTM AMT comes with a centrifugal clutch that engages with the throttle input once the rider puts the bike in first gear.

Another interesting factor of KTM's AMT transmission is its car-like gear sequence. Unlike traditional motorcycles, the KTM AMT has a shift sequence of P-N-1-2-3-4-5-6. P stands for Parking, just like a traditional automatic car. This has been done because the transmission has a centrifugal clutch, which means the rear wheel cannot be locked by putting the motorcycle in gear over inclines. Hence, KTM ended up putting a mechanical pawl (stopper), which engages when the bike is put into Park mode using only the shifter paddle.

When riders want to take manual control, M or Manual mode allows them to shift gears using the traditional gear lever on the left side of the bike. The AMT gearbox's ECU and Transmission Control Unit, which enable clutch-less shifts, start acting like a quick shifter, giving the rider a seamless choice between manual and automatic riding modes.

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In India, several 390 series KTM motorcycles, such as the Duke and Adventure, currently offer the Quickshifter+ technology that enables clutch-less upshifts or downshifts. However, it remains to be seen if KTM will develop an AMT for the smaller capacity bikes in its arsenal. If it does, an AMT transmission would be highly welcome in Indian conditions, where riders face heavy traffic and slow riding conditions on an everyday basis.