KTM’s unique AMT technology revealed

Earlier this year at the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo, KTM revealed the 1390 Super Adventure R prototype equipped with an automated manual transmission (AMT). Now, the brand has officially revealed more details about its AMT. Here’s everything you need to know.

1. Will be showcased on October 22
2. Likely to feature in upcoming KTM 1390 Super Adventure S EVO

KTM AMT details

Manufacturers like Yamaha, BMW and Honda have all announced their own versions of automatic transmission, and now, KTM has joined the fold. In manual mode, riders can take control and change gear using a paddle shift or a foot gear lever, and in the automatic mode, gear shifts happen automatically based on speed and riding style. KTM says that, unlike traditional automatic or automated manual transmissions, theirs uses a centrifugal clutch, which is less likely to stall and provides better low-speed control. The gear shifts are controlled via the ECU and a Transmission Control Unit with an electromechanical shift actuator.

The company claims gear shift times of 50 milliseconds, which puts it on par with a quickshifter. When in automatic mode, gear shifts are executed based on different vehicle parameters, such as actual gear position, engine speed, engine torque, lean angle, acceleration, vehicle speed, pitch angle and rider inputs. Riders can toggle their shift preference via three different shift modes, namely Comfort, Street and Sport.

It is worth mentioning that while in automatic mode, riders can manually override the transmission using the shift paddles. In an instance where the rider has to perform a quick overtake and opens the throttle suddenly, the system will activate a kick-down function and shift to a lower gear. When KTM’s ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) is active on an AMT-fitted motorcycle, the system decelerates to a standstill when the car in front stops. If the stop is shorter than 3 seconds, the system will then resume acceleration automatically. When the stop duration is longer than 3 seconds, the riders must accelerate or click the resume button on the cruise control. 

Unlike a traditional gear sequence (1 – N – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6), KTM’s AMT features a car-like (P – N – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6) sequence. A Park gear is required to hold the vehicle in place when parked on an incline or on an uneven surface. This is because a centrifugal clutch doesn’t allow the rear wheel to be locked. To solve this problem, the brand has incorporated Park gear, which helps lock the rear wheel by adding a locking mechanism in the gearbox.

The AMT also has the option to activate a switchable High Rev limiter shifting that allows riders to make gear changes closer to the redline. Currently, KTM hasn’t revealed which models will be getting the AMT transmission. However, given that this transmission was featured on a 1390 Super Adventure, it’s safe to assume that this bike and models which share the same engine will make for good candidates for the AMT transmission. KTM plans to reveal the all-new 1390 Super Adventure EVO S on October 22, and it is likely to offer AMT.

Also see: KTM 250 Duke with TFT display launched at Rs 2.41 lakh