KTM’s Automated Manual Transmission

Automatic transmissions achieved a level of widespread adoption in the motorized two-wheel world when scooters grew in popularity, though Ducati’s Cruiser of the early ‘50s was already equipped with an automatic transmission. CVT transmissions with toothed rubber belts are an absolute common factor on any modern scooter of any size and displacement, but mechanical automatic transmission with gears are still outliers. Progressively, the industry has introduced computer-assisted automated clutches and quick-shift gearboxes, such as Honda’s DCT system.

Now, KTM joins the party, introducing on select 2025 models a new transmission that offers both manual and automatic gear selection mode, according to the rider’s feeling. KTM did not release any in-depth technical detail about its new transmission, which it claims is highly versatile and easy to use. The new transmission appears almost as compact as a traditional, manual transmission. Also in terms of weight it does not add a meaningful amount of ounces, let alone pounds.

The clutch now is a centrifugal automatic unit, managed by KTM’s Transmission Control Unit. This specific unit is teamed up with the ECU in order to perfectly coordinate the throttle response of the engine and the gear-shifting sequence when the transmission is in full automatic mode, in order to extract the best from the powertrain in relation to the riding conditions.

Related: KTM reveals Automated Manual Transmission

When selected in Automatic mode, the AMT transmission offers three shifting modes that are selectable from the dashboard: Comfort, Street, and Sport. Thanks to the coordination between the TCU and the ECU, they perfectly interact with the selected riding mode. When selected in automatic mode, the new KTM transmission shifts gears in 50 milliseconds, faster than a computer-managed quick-shift mechanical transmission, this is thanks to the electromechanical actuator that rotates the selector drum with absolute precision.

The clutch lever is now gone on AMT-equipped models, and the electronically managed centrifugal clutch responds to the rider input on the throttle grip to ensure a smooth and precise response that makes starts easy, even from uphill standstill starts. KTM also says that low-speed maneuvers are easier than with a standard transmission.

When in Automatic mode, the AMT transmission can be manually shifted either using the traditional foot shifter, or by utilizing the two small levers that are easily accessible at the top of left switch gear.

If the rider selects gears manually while AMT is in Automatic mode, the Automatic mode is suspended for 4 seconds, then automatically reactivated. In case of the need of a quick pass, the rider only needs to fully open the throttle and the related sensors actuate the kickdown function to ensure a fast and powerful pass. In case the bike has its active cruise control activated, AMT in Automatic mode ensures that the bike will modulate its cruising speed in relation to that of the vehicle in front. There is even the possibility for the unit to stop completely and restart on its own in traffic.

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When in Manual mode, gears can be selected both with the foot shifter or with the small levers on the switches block on the left grip. The selection sequence starts with P (parking), then N (neutral), and then followed by the traditional six gears—from 1 to 6. Since the centrifugal clutch is in open position when the bike is not running, the selection of Parking locks the transmission by inserting a number of pins. Parking and Neutral position can be activated only via the small levers on the handlebar, while applying the front or the rear brake.

KTM has not yet announced what models the AMT will be equipped on, but the system is shown on its LC8 engine, inferring it could be seen on its big Super Adventure bikes, Duke naked bike, and Duke GT sport-tourer.