The Yamaha MT-07 has long been the middleweight naked bike that punches above its weight. Since 2014, its 689cc CP2 engine, affordability, and playful agility have made it a gateway choice for riders craving torque and fun.

But in 2025, Yamaha dropped a fully revamped MT-07 with an optional feature—the Y-AMT automated transmission. No clutch lever. No foot shifter. Just paddles and promises of a smoother ride. But does this tech truly redefine shifting comfort, or is it a gimmick for the Insta-reel era?

More Than Just a Transmission

Before dissecting Y-AMT, it’s worth noting Yamaha didn’t just slap an auto-shifter onto the old MT-07. The 2025 model is a holistic upgrade.

The chassis is 12% stiffer, USD forks replace the soggy old suspension, radial brakes add bite, and a slick TFT display now pairs with your phone. Even the engine gets acoustic tweaks to make that CP2 twin sing. These changes create a stable foundation for Y-AMT to shine—or stumble.

But the star of the show is Yamaha’s Automated Manual Transmission (Y-AMT). Unlike Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which uses two clutches, Y-AMT automates the existing 6-speed gearbox.

Two actuators handle clutch duties and shift forks, while the ECU tweaks throttle and ignition for buttery shifts. The result? A system that adds just 6.2 lbs (vs. DCT’s ~22 lbs) and keeps the MT-07’s flickable DNA intact.

Read: Why Do Motorcycles Still Use Manual Transmissions?

How It Works (Without a Clutch)

Imagine cruising through city traffic without constantly working the clutch—sounds dreamy, right? Y-AMT delivers that. The left handlebar gets a paddle shifter: pull back for upshifts, push forward for downshifts. Want full auto? Toggle to “D” for chill commutes or “D+“ for sportier gear holds.

Y-AMT Controls on the 2025 Yamaha MT-07

But Yamaha claims this isn’t just about laziness. Their Jin-Ki Kanno philosophy (“rider-machine unity”) argues that automating shifts lets you focus on braking, lines, and body position.

One Yamaha engineer said, “This is about raising sporty performance.“ Bold words—but does it hold up on the road?

Real-World Riding

I spent a week with the Y-AMT-equipped MT-07 in Europe. Here’s the breakdown:

Manual Mode (MT):

  • Upshifts are lightning-fast—quicker than my ham-fisted foot ever managed. Under hard acceleration, it’s like having a pro rider execute every shift.
  • Downshifts are smoother, though some testers noted a slight “jolt“ during aggressive upshifts mid-corner.

Automatic Modes:

  • D Mode is your urban ally. It upshifts early, keeps RPMs low, and feels like a scooter—in a good way. Perfect for stoplights and Starbucks runs.
  • D+ Mode holds gears longer, downshifts eagerly, and almost reads your mind when you crack the throttle. But it’s not perfect. One tester griped about an unexpected upshift mid-lean, which “felt like the bike second-guessed my line.”

The CP2 engine’s torquey nature masks minor shift hiccups, making Y-AMT feel more harmonious here than on Yamaha’s higher-strung MT-09. Still, Honda’s DCT remains the smoothness king—especially in auto mode.

2025 Yamaha MT-07 Y-AMT Version

A Double-Edged Sword

Y-AMT’s comfort perks are undeniable:

  • Physical Relief: No clutch hand cramps in traffic. No foot-shifter fatigue. For riders with arthritis or injuries, this is a revelation.
  • Mental Ease: Let the bike handle gears while you dodge potholes or enjoy the scenery.
  • Cruise Control: Bundled exclusively with Y-AMT, it’s a highway godsend.

But trade-offs exist:

  • No Clutch Control: Forget feathering the clutch for slow-speed maneuvers or throttle blips. Purists will mourn this loss.
  • Auto Mode Quirks: Unpredictable shifts mid-corner can rattle confidence.
  • Learning Curve: Paddle shifting feels new at first. One Rider joked, “My left foot kept twitching for a ghost shifter.”

2025 yamaha mt 07 updgrades is it worth it

Who’s It For?

At $600 extra (based on European pricing), Y-AMT is a bargain next to Honda’s DCT. Globally, Y-AMT battles Honda’s DCT and E-Clutch, BMW’s ASA (which keeps the foot shifter), and KTM’s upcoming AMT. Its edge? Lightweight simplicity. But unlike BMW’s system, Y-AMT lacks lean-angle awareness, which could prevent those pesky mid-corner shifts.

Evolutionary, Not Revolutionary

Y-AMT isn’t the death of the manual transmission. It’s a compelling option—one that makes riding more accessible and less exhausting. For commuters, new riders, or anyone who’s ever cursed rush-hour clutch workouts, it’s a glimpse of the future.

But is it the ultimate future? Not yet. Refinements are needed: smoother auto shifts and lean-angle integration. Until then, Y-AMT is a brilliant sidekick, not a superhero. It proves automation can coexist with fun, but the manual’s raw connection remains irreplaceable for many.

As one Rider added, “Y-AMT’s like dating a robot: efficient, exciting, but you’ll still miss the human touch.“ And isn’t that what motorcycling’s all about?