We rode an electric motorcycle that could change the way you think about sport bikes

However, much like the transportation industry, the term "traditional" has been redefined to include modes of transportation that don't completely rely on an internal combustion engine — you don't need to look long to spot a hybrid or electric car on the road today.

Now Zero Motorcycles, an American manufacturer that produces electric motorcycles, is putting a new battery powered ride on the road with its 2017 Zero SR.

Nestled in the mountaintops of Scotts Valley, California, is a company that's trying to revolutionize the motorcycling industry by building sport bikes that run on lithium-ion batteries. The company says the Zero SR can deliver 161 miles of range, while producing 70 horsepower and 116 foot-pounds of torque at the drop of a hat.

No, that's not an exaggeration or a ringing endorsement of the SR. It's a fact. Unlike traditional motorcycle engines that require time and a suitable transmission to ride the revs in order to achieve peak torque, there's no powerband on an electric motor, so you'll have access to 100% of its power with a simple twist of the throttle.

Now, I wouldn't blame purists who stopped reading after seeing "battery-powered" and "motorcycle" in the same sentence — I had my doubts, too. Taking the SR out for a spin myself helped answer some of my questions, while also raising some new ones.

Here's our impression of the 2017 Zero SR:

At first glance, there doesn't seem to be anything special about the SR — it more or less looks like your standard bike ...

... That is until you realize the clutch lever is missing. With no clutch and no gearbox, there's no shifting involved.

Hazard lights for safety and etched logos on the grips are also a nice touch.

Here's the belt drive system. Relatively quiet compared to its metallic predecessor, Zero claims that the SR has 116 foot-pounds of torque, more than any 1,000cc sport bike on the market.

You’ll be plugging your charging cable — which fits inside a standard household outlet — right above the left footrest.

Zero Motorcycles claims it'll take a little over 8 hours for the battery to reach 95% charge, which would give you about 161 miles of range in the city and 81 miles on the highway — about 53 miles for each hour spent on charging.

The battery is covered by a five-year, unlimited-mile warranty.

Here's a closer look at the SR's battery.

There are additional upgrades to increase your range and cut your charging tim. A Power Tank accessory extends the bike's range by 40 miles, while a Charge Tank triples the charging speed by working with Level-2 charging stations located around the country. The two accessories; however, cannot be operated together.

The SR has two standard modes: eco and sport. We found Eco mode suitable for average riding. Sport mode took the throttle response to a whole new level.

The digital readout lacks an RPM gauge, but does display all the essentials.

The SR also has a custom mode that's accessible with a Bluetooth-enabled Android or iOS device. You'll have access to a wide array of information and customizable settings, including the bike's regenerative capability while coasting or braking, its top speed, and anti-lock brakes.

You can also upgrade the bike's firmware and view other data — including your carbon footprint and how much money you've saved compared to gas-powered riding.

The leather seats were comfortable for city riding; however, we could see rider fatigue kicking in for longer trips. The seat height is about 31.8 inches — at 5'6" and with boots, I found myself standing on my toes during stops.

The SR has an amply sized storage space in lieu of a gas tank. It’s big enough to store crucial items you don’t want bulging out of your pockets — with room to spare.

The ride itself was smooth and sporty. However, because there's no windshield, and given your upright riding position, you'll most likely be fighting against the wind at higher speeds.

The Showa suspension did a decent job of absorbing impacts on the road. Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires also give you great grip for the road.

Final thoughts:

The reasons for riding a motorcycle undeniably varies depending on personal preferences, among other factors. But in a world where cars are ubiquitous, there's an undeniable common thread that persuades (and unites) riders to forsake the "steel cage" of the automobile and experience the open road on two wheels.

The SR manages to incorporate a utilitarian aspect to this experience. With its limited maintenance, a multitude of customizations, and near-effortless riding due to the absence of gear levers, riders have the opportunity to just "plug-and-go" without the usual hassle some riders experience.

With nothing more than a soft electric whirring and the sound of your tires on the pavement, you'll also be able to direct more attention to the road. Some riders will argue that the sound from a motorcycle's exhaust increases driver awareness and safety; however, the argument begins to fall short when you factor in the angle of your exhaust, and the noise from the speed at which you and a nearby car are traveling.

Simply put, the SR establishes a balance between form and function.

However, with an MSRP of $15,995, the SR's price makes it an expensive proposition, even with electric-vehicle subsidies of up to $1,000, depending on your state. At SR's price point, you'll be able to carve canyons with the beastly 2017 BMW R 1200 R, with some cash left over.

If you're planning on making a long-distance journey, you'll also find yourself pre-planning the trip to account for electric charging stations — an annoyance that can detract from the riding experience.

And now we come to the verdict ...

It's no less difficult to be objective in a motorcycle review as it is with a car review. Though a motorcycle may not have as many features, the industry has no shortage of options for people shopping for their next ride.

Sure it's easy to have a compact-class shootout between a Honda Civic and a Toyota Corolla, but the distinction is blurred when you compare an internal combustion engine with a fully electric motor. This distinction becomes apparent with a motorcycle, given its inherent tendency to amplify your senses during a ride.

Taking all of this into account, the experience from the SR can certainly be described as numb when compared to a regular motorcycle. There's no rumbling, shaking, or other noticeable signs that you feel or hear when riding. This might not be worrisome if you were in a car, but when exposed to the world with no metal chassis for protection, it can be unnerving while weaving through a sea of 3000-pound cars and trucks.

For example, the following thoughts kept popping into my head during the ride:

My point is this: with the absence of the experience that's unique to the motorcycling world — the rumbling, noise, and shifting — it'll undoubtedly turn off some riders who are accustomed to the feel of a traditional motorcycle, at least initially.

It's hard to find a fault in the SR. As a two-wheeled vehicle, it's solid, but the experience won't be for everyone. Your mileage may vary.