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Yamaha has led motorcycle innovation for years, always pushing performance and tech limits. Their latest effort, unveiled in recent patents, brings a semi-automatic transmission to the Yamaha MT-07, with possible use in other bikes with the 690cc CP2 twin-cylinder engine.
Highlighted in patents unveiled by Cycle World, Yamaha’s semi-automatic transmission system promises a transformative riding experience. By eliminating the traditional clutch lever and gear lever, Yamaha aims to simplify the shifting process and enhance rider comfort. Instead, the system incorporates buttons on the left handlebar, which actuate mechanisms positioned above the transmission, enabling seamless clutchless shifting.
Inspired by Yamaha’s ACC-S system from the 2006 FJR1300, the semi-automatic transmission can switch to a fully automatic mode, suiting various rider preferences and skills.
Yamaha’s design stands out with actuators outside the transmission housing and a control module near the frame’s headstock. This placement boosts accessibility and function while preserving the bike’s aesthetics and handling.
The inclusion of redesigned bodywork, air ducts on the fuel tank to facilitate air intake for the control modules, and an inverted front fork signify Yamaha’s commitment to enhancing both form and function.
While the MT-07 serves as the initial platform for this innovative technology, Yamaha’s forward-thinking approach suggests broader implications. Other motorcycles equipped with the 690cc CP2 twin-cylinder engine, such as the Yamaha Tenere 700 and Tracer 7, could potentially benefit from this semi-automatic transmission system, further expanding its reach across Yamaha’s lineup.
Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Honda are all diving into semi-automatic transmissions, reflecting the industry’s shift. Kawasaki’s Ninja 7 Hybrid and Z 7 Hybrid, featuring semi-automatic gearboxes, highlight the demand for easy-to-use, high-performance motorcycle tech. Honda’s CBR650, now available with a semi-automatic option using the E-Clutch system, echoes this trend.
The integration of semi-automatic transmission systems marks a significant advancement in enhancing rider experience, accessibility, and performance. Yamaha’s move underscores their leadership in the field, shaping the future of motorcycling for enthusiasts worldwide.