I have a soft spot for Automatic Bikes. Let me clarify, I also appreciate the traditional manual motorcycles, so please hold off on the fiery comments. But there’s something uniquely appealing about automatics, something that often gets overlooked in the roar of manual purists. For me, automatic bikes open up a different dimension of riding, one where you can laser-focus on the core elements: perfecting your riding line, mastering throttle control, precise braking, and the art of leaning into corners. This isn’t just about easing the learning curve for beginners; automatic motorcycles offer an alternative pathway into motorcycling and a deep dive into bike dynamics for riders of all levels. Even seasoned riders can refine their fundamentals, stripping away the clutch input to sharpen focus on these essential skills.
However, there are moments when the automatic transmission concept feels a bit… unexpected. One of those moments is when considering automatic transmissions on KTM’s adventure motorcycles. For a brand so deeply entwined with the visceral experience of off-road riding, where clutch control feels so integral, the idea of an automatic KTM adventure bike initially seems a little out of sync.
But KTM, known for pushing boundaries, clearly sees a different future. They recently showcased a prototype automatic transmission at the Erzbergrodeo in Austria, putting it through the paces of the Prologue. This wasn’t just a casual display; it was a statement, hinting at the direction KTM is heading. While the market already has automatic adventure motorcycles, and I’ve personally enjoyed riding many of them, the surprise here is KTM. Brands like Honda and BMW offering automatic options makes sense, catering to broader rider preferences. But is KTM’s core audience of hardcore enthusiasts and adventurers actually clamoring for this technology?
We’re about to find out. Accompanying the teaser video of the camouflaged KTM Automatic Motorcycle Transmission (AMT) bike, KTM launched a website with a countdown. The message is clear: “Save the date. New technology is on the way for KTM enthusiasts to enjoy.” The countdown clock is ticking towards September 24th, the anticipated debut of the AMT.
From the teaser video, featuring FIM World Enduro champion Johnny Aubert riding the bike on the Erzberg Prologue track, the bike undeniably looks impressive – what you’d expect from KTM. Yet, the visual absence of clutch controls is still a little jarring to my eye. Perhaps this initial skepticism is misplaced? Maybe experiencing the automatic KTM firsthand will be a revelation, a moment of “where have you been all my riding life?”. We’ll have to wait and see, but KTM’s foray into automatic adventure bikes is definitely a development worth watching closely for the future of motorcycle riding.
