While KTM is busy transitioning to its new distributor Lucky MAPI here in the Philippines, future customers can look forward to some exciting new technologies from the Austrian builder.

On the powertrain front, the new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) offers a new gearbox option to make the bikes even easier to race. The AMT allows the rider to choose between clutchless, manual shifting operation (M Mode) or completely automatic (A Mode).

Once the first gear is engaged, raising the engine rpm engages the centrifugal clutch that gets the bike moving forward. Without having to manually operate a clutch, mundane acts like starting on a slope, pulling away, stopping, and low-speed maneuvering are much easier and idiot-proof. Stalling the engine is also not a problem anymore.

Unlike traditional “1 down, 5 up” motorcycle gearboxes, the AMT uses a P-N-1-2-3-4-5-6 gear sequence, with “P” denoting Park through the use of a locking pawl within the gearbox.

Both Park and Neutral positions can only be selected with the shift paddle on the handlebar switch cube whether the engine is running or not. Either the front or the rear brake needs to be applied in order to engage the first gear.

The gearbox is controlled by the ECU and the transmission control unit. Shifts are performed by an electromechanical shift actuator, which turns the shift drum. Compared to a traditional transmission with a quickshifter, the AMT is 50 milliseconds faster when changing gears.

Two shifting methods are available, the first through the traditional gear lever, and the second through the paddle switch on the left switch cube. Several shift modes are also available and designed to work in unison with various ride modes.

As for dashboards, KTM has had some of the best TFT units in its bikes for some time now, but a new generation brings touchscreen sensitivity, superlative brightness, and smartphone-like connectivity.

Coming in both vertical (V80, eight inches) and horizontal (H88, 8.8 inches) configurations, the new TFT dashboards feature 1280 x 720 resolution with inductive touchscreen technology and anti-reflex, anti-fingerprint, and anti-glare screen coatings. The displays feature 256,000 colors compared to the previous generation’s 65,000, enabling perfect detail in all lighting conditions.

The inductive touchscreen is designed to be usable with or without riding gloves, while shortcut buttons also eliminate the need for auxiliary switches. Virtual buttons allow access to activating/deactivating the heated grips and saddle, or turning on the fog lights (if equipped).

The screens allow for customization with split-screen functionality and five available layout options. Preset screen options allow the rider to choose between adaptive cruise control functions, map navigation, telemetry, favorites, or music as their core home screen, as well as a reduced, basic view.

New switchgear is also being introduced with a dedicated Ride Mode button, a new five-way joystick and back button, new cruise control buttons, A/M (automatic/manual) buttons for AMT models, and customizable paddle buttons for units not fitted with the AMT. These buttons are also backlit for easy readability even at night.

As for connectivity, the units come with Offline Map Navigation to provide real-time navigation without the need to sync or tether to a mobile phone. The dashboards use an upgraded CCU3.0 connectivity unit with 32GB of storage and 3GB of RAM, and use the Android Automotive operating system. This enables IoT connectivity with eSIM, a GPS antenna, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

The CCU3.0 provides seamless reconnection with your smartphone on every ignition cycle, even displaying album covers and access to your contacts. Software updates will initially be done through a KTM dealer, but in the future will be possible over-the-air, direct to your bike just like any other app update.

The new dashboards and the Automated Manual Transmission will initially be available on upcoming premium models, with more options being added to the range over time.