Riding should be about enjoying the open road, not struggling with endless clutch pulls in traffic or feeling discomfort in your hands after a long ride. Whether you’re a city commuter, a long-distance tourer, or someone dealing with wrist pain or arthritis, modern motorcycle transmission systems are here to help.
Several manufacturers have developed innovative automatic and semi-automatic transmission systems to make riding smoother and more accessible—without taking away the thrill. Honda and Yamaha are among the most well-known for pushing the boundaries in this area. Honda’s E-Clutch, Yamaha’s Y-Amt, and Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) each offer a unique solution for different types of riders.
Let’s break them down and see which one fits your needs best.
Honda E-Clutch: the best of both worlds?
How it works
Honda’s E-Clutch automates clutch operation, meaning you can start, stop, and shift gears without worrying about the clutch lever. However, you still use the foot shifter to change gears manually, so it keeps the engaging feel of a traditional manual transmission. It basically makes using a clutch lever optional. So on a longer spirited ride, you can be in charge of the gearbox. While coming back home in an urban environment, leave the clutch handling to the E-Clutch system.
Who is it for?
- Riders with wrist or hand issues who want to avoid clutch fatigue but still enjoy manual shifting.
- City commuters dealing with constant stop-and-go traffic who want smoother operation.
- Touring riders who want to reduce hand strain on long journeys while maintaining full control.
Why riders love it
- Quickshifter Deluxe – It’s like a Quickshifter, but with the added bonus of being able to come to a stop and start again.
- Perfect for city and touring rides – Smooth operation without taking away the manual feel.
- Lightweight and simple – Adds minimal weight compared to fully automatic options.
Potential downsides
- Still requires manual shifting – You’re still in charge of gear changes.
- Limited availability – Currently available only on select Honda models.
Yamaha Y-Amt: automation with a twist
How it works
Yamaha’s Y-Amt (Yamaha Automated Manual Transmission) takes things up a notch by offering both automatic and manual shifting. Unlike Honda’s E-Clutch, which keeps gear changes manual, Y-Amt lets you switch between fully automatic mode (great for city commuting) and manual mode (when you want more control).
Who is it for?
- Newer riders who want the flexibility to learn manual shifting but still have an automatic option.
- Urban riders who need hands-free shifting during slow-speed navigation.
- Riders who value convenience but still want the ability to shift manually when desired.
Why riders love it
- Full auto mode – Great for those who want a relaxed ride.
- Hybrid functionality – Switch between automatic and manual shifting as needed using the buttons.
- Optimized gear changes – The system adapts to riding conditions for smoother shifts.
Potential downsides
- Not as engaging for purists – Some riders prefer traditional shifting.
- Still limited to certain models – Not widely available across Yamaha’s lineup.
- No clutch lever, no gear shifter.
Honda DCT: the ultimate automatic experience
How it works
Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) is the closest system to Yamaha’s Y-Amt in terms of functionality. Both allow riders to choose between automatic or manual shifting, making riding more accessible and reducing fatigue. However, while Y-Amt relies on a conventional automated manual system, DCT takes things further by using two separate clutches for smoother, faster gear changes. This means a more seamless and uninterrupted power delivery compared to Y-Amt’s single-clutch operation.
Who is it for?
- Touring and adventure riders who want a hassle-free long-distance ride.
- Riders with physical limitations who need a fully automatic transmission.
- Commuters who want a “twist-and-go” experience without sacrificing performance.
Why riders love it
- Fully automatic or manual control – Best of both worlds.
- Seamless gear changes – No power loss, just smooth acceleration.
- Great for long rides – Perfect for touring and adventure motorcycles.
Potential downsides
- Heavier and more complex – Adds weight compared to manual transmissions.
- Higher cost – DCT-equipped models tend to be pricier.
- No clutch lever, no gear shifter.
How do they compare?
| Feature | Honda E-Clutch | Yamaha Y-Amt | Honda DCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch type | Automated manual | Semi-automatic | Fully automatic (dual-clutch) |
| Manual shifting? | Yes | Yes (optional) | Optional (paddle shifters) |
| Automatic mode? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best for? | Riders with hand fatigue, commuters | Riders who want both auto and manual modes | Long-distance touring, riders with mobility issues |
| Performance gain? | Smoother manual shifting | Optimized shift timing | Seamless, fast shifts with dual-clutch technology |
| Ease of use | Moderate | High | Very high |
| Weight impact | Minimal | Moderate | High |
| Availability | Limited | Limited | More widely available |
What do the experts say?
Before making a decision, it’s always good to hear from real riders and experts who have tested these systems. Here are some insightful reviews to check out:
- RevZilla did a deep dive into the Honda DCT, highlighting its advantages for touring and adventure riders. (Read their review here)
- Cycle World put Honda’s E-Clutch through its paces, noting its seamless operation but questioning whether purists will embrace it. (Check it out)
- MCN tested Yamaha’s Y-Amt and praised its versatility but pointed out its limited availability. (Full review here)
Which system is right for you?
Choosing between these systems depends on how much control you want over your shifting experience:
- Honda E-Clutch is the best choice for riders who want to retain a fully manual shifting experience but without needing to use the clutch lever. It’s the closest to conventional shifting while still reducing rider fatigue.
- Yamaha Y-Amt is great for those who want both manual and automatic shifting modes, providing flexibility for different riding situations.
- Honda DCT is the best fit for those who prefer a fully automatic experience, particularly for long-distance touring or riders who need an easier ride due to physical limitations.
Each system has its advantages, but the right one for you depends on your riding style and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Which system do you think suits you best? Let us know in the comments!