“We didn’t just put a fairing on an SR/F.” So said Abe Askenazi, CTO of Zero Motorcycles, at the unveiling of the all-new SRS in New York City on Wednesday afternoon. And thanks to some critical differences between this new bike and its incredibly fast and fun older brother, we’re inclined to agree.

Having spent a little time with Zero’s first fully faired ride, we’re most excited about the following distinguishing features of the SR/S.

1. It’s Comfier

Whereas the SR/F is an F-16, Zero likens the SR/S to a private jet. Toward that end, it features lower pegs and higher handlebars for a more upright and relaxed riding position. Even passengers benefit from lower pegs and a bigger seating area. The SR/S also integrates with luggage for those who like to travel with more than a backpack.

But that’s not to say this thing is a rolling sofa. With advanced aerospace design as its inspiration, the bike’s fairing boosts efficiency and range by 13 percent, promising to top 200 city miles — with the addition of Zero’s Power Tank — when you lean forward and tuck into the cockpit. A new mirror position (below the handlebars, rather than popping out the top) encourages this aerodynamically optimized position, whether you’re zipping through city traffic or flying down the highway.

2. It’s Smarter

On test rides of the SR/F, we were duly impressed with its touchscreen and app-pairing capabilities, which enabled us to monitor range, change ride modes, track our trips and more. The SR/S is even more advanced, offering the four standard ride modes plus up to 10 fully customizable ones. The Cypher III computer taps into all the Bosch stability control system has to offer, maximizing ABS, cornering, traction and drag torque control.

As we lalso earned at the unveiling, the battery is also optimized for Level 2 charging (by far the most common option for EVs), and the Rapid Charge System can take the bike from 0 to 95 percent in an hour.

3. It’s Value-Packed

Just because it’s all dressed up doesn’t mean the SR/S is all show and no go. Like the SR/F, it offers 140 pound-feet of torque, 110 horsepower and a top speed of 124 miles per hour, not to mention the mind-blowing pickup that makes the SR/F such a blast.

You might think it would all add up to a painful price point, but that’s not the case. The premium model with 6-kW Rapid Charger, heated hand grips and aluminum bar ends starts at $21,995 (versus $21,495 for the SR/F). The standard model with 3-kW Rapid Charger starts at $19,995 (versus $19,995).

Zero’s Power Tank, available March 1 for an additional $2,895, adds 3.6-kWh for an extended city range of 201 miles. Both models are available in Skyline Silver and Cerulian Blue colorways.

Our big takeaway? The SR/S should be able to deliver all the thrills of the SR/F in a more luxurious, approachable package. But we can’t wait to give it a thorough test ride to find out for sure.

Note: Purchasing products through our links may earn us a portion of the sale, which supports our editorial team’s mission. Learn more here.
Steve Mazzucchi

Steve Mazzucchi is Gear Patrol’s outdoors and fitness editor. Outside the office, you can find him mountain biking, snowboarding, motorcycling or sipping a dram of Laphroaig and daydreaming about such things.

More by Steve Mazzucchi | Follow on Facebook · Instagram · Twitter · Contact via Email