Nothing is stopping you from going out there and buying the fastest production motorcycles if all you’re looking for is all-out speed. That package, however, rarely comes with real-world usability. And if you’re looking for something that offers real-world usability, you must say goodbye to high-end performance. That used to be the case a few years ago, but things have truly changed today.Motorcycles are evolving each year, and the boundaries between segments are getting blurrier. In that, manufacturers have brought in motorcycles that pack the engine and underpinnings of a liter-class superbike, paired with real-world comfortable ergonomics and features. And there’s one German motorcycle that does that better than the rest. Power, Stability, And Real-World Usability Is A Tough Sweet Spot To Hit KawasakiIn the motorcycling world, power and stability rarely go hand-in-hand with real-world usability. On one hand, you can get bikes that marry power with stability, and these are designed for one thing only: going fast around the racetrack. These include superbikes like the Ducati Panigale V4, Kawasaki ZX-10R, BMW S 1000 RR, and the rest. Although they sorely lack real-world comfort and practicality.Marcocampelli Via MV Agusta BrutaleOn the other hand, you have bikes that offer real-world usability in the form of high-performance naked bikes. These are more comfortable and practical to ride every day, but most examples are choked down to be considered “sensible.” And those that still push the limits of performance, like the Ducati Streetfighter V4 or MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR, still end up trading in comfort for performance. Experiencing 170+ horsepower without wind protection doesn’t sound so much fun.DucatiFinally, there are a few motorcycles out there that strike the perfect balance between superbike performance and real-world comfort. Some excellent examples include the Kawasaki Versys 1100, Ducati Multistrada V4 RS, and KTM 1290 Super Duke GT. As good as these adventure-like sports tourers are, there’s one that trumps them all, not with performance but with balance. It’s the BMW S 1000 XR. The BMW S 1000 XR Is The Hidden Gem Of Practical And Performance BMW MotorradThe BMW S 1000 XR combines the high-performance of a liter-class sports bike with the long-distance capability of a sports tourer. In its latest avatar, it also offers more comfort thanks to its substantial adjustments and produces 170 horsepower. This may not be much by the current liter-class sports bike standards, but it is plenty to keep even experienced riders entertained for years. As a result, the S 1000 XR can do it all; it can cruise for hours on the highway, handle low-speed commutes, and run with superbikes in the twisties or on a track.BMWThe BMW S 1000 XR does not lean into the whole old-person tourer persona, either. It’s a visually striking motorcycle that looks fresh. Despite its tall stance, it still looks pretty sporty. The front end is fresh, with the intake ducts standing out. While the rear end is sleek and minimalistic. It’s a design that does not scream for attention but lets you know it means business. Prices Start At $18,825 BMWThe BMW S 1000 XR starts at just $18,825. If you’re eying this bike, though, prepare to pay a bit more for all the awesome goodies BMW offers with it. These include an array of optional features and packages, including the M Carbon and M Package. You can purchase the bike in three colors: Blackstorm Metallic 2, Sage Green Metallic, and Light White / M Motorsport. Superbike-Level Performance In A Business Suit BMWThe BMW S 1000 XR is powered by a 999cc inline-four powerplant shared with BMW’s legendary S 1000 RR. On this tourer, the engine is tuned to produce 170 horsepower, which is 5 ponies more than before, and 84 pound-feet of torque. BMW says this engine is tuned to offer smooth, powerful torque and power delivery that should make for excellent rideability. As a result, this bike can handle everything from long-distance journeys to track days without making you feel compromised on either front.BMWThe engine is mated to a constant-mesh 6-speed gearbox and a slipper clutch, which should feel light to use at low speeds. You can also opt for the Shift Assistant Pro quickshifter, which is said to offer better and quicker gear shifts than before. This should not only make touring easy but also enable fast gear shifts on a racetrack or the twisties. Advanced Underpinnings For Stability And Agility BMWThe S 1000 XR is underpinned by a bridge-type cast aluminum frame that uses the engine as a load-bearing member. The frame is linked to an aluminum double-sided swingarm at the back. This frame and the bike’s lithe build give it a relatively low weight of 500 pounds (road-ready), which is said to offer high levels of agility and acceleration.BMWWhere this Beamer truly shines is its suspension setup, featuring beefy 45 mm USD forks up front and a monoshock at the rear, both with 5.9 inches of travel. This suspension setup uses Dynamic ESA as standard, which enables electronic self-adjusting rebound and compression, giving the bike high levels of composure and control in a variety of situations. BMW also offers Dynamic ESA Pro as an option,BMWThe bike uses 17-inch aluminum cast wheels as standard, but you can also update to the optional M Carbon wheels. These are available as optional equipment or as part of the M package, and BMW says these lightweight wheels offer better handling than cast wheels by reducing rotational mass. The wheels are also permitted for two-up touring with luggage, so you wouldn’t be compromising any real-world usability with them. Long-Distance Comfort And Plenty Of Features On Offer BMW MotorradThe BMW S 1000 XR is a sports tourer first, so it is designed to be comfortable for long rides. It features a relatively neutral seating geometry with a seat designed to offer maneuverability on the road and the track. The seat is also available in three heights, ranging from 31.1 to 33.5 inches. At the same time, the fairing and windscreen up front should offer decent wind protection to the rider. An Array Of Features BMWBeing a BMW motorcycle, the S 1000 XR does not shy away from features and gizmos, either. It features a 6.5-inch TFT display with BMW Motorrad Connectivity for navigation, music control, and phone calls. Then there’s standard ABS, BMW Motorrad Dynamic Traction Control, adaptive Headlight Pro, riding modes, keyless ride, and much more. BMW has also thrown in a thoughtful toll pass compartment and an ECall Intelligent Emergency Call on the bike. A Range Of Optional Extras BMWIf that’s not enough, you can option out this Beemer with plenty of optional features, as well. It starts with the aforementioned Dynamic ESA Pro and Shift Assistant Pro, along with TPMS, auxiliary LED headlights, lowered suspension, and a range of other comfort, performance, or aesthetic accessories. Finally, there are all the optional packages BMW offers with this bike. These include Touring, Dynamics, M Package, M Carbon, and Milled Parts packages.BMWCombine everything, and you have a genuinely complete motorcycle that can do it all. It offers you insane levels of performance from the factory, which is enough to keep up with most sports bikes on the road and twisties. It’s paired with an advanced suspension setup that adapts to road conditions on the fly, ensuring comfort at all times. And comfort is taken care of by upright ergos and a windscreen. If you’re looking for something that’s not only fast but actually practical in the real world, there’s hardly a better choice than the BMW S 1000 XR.Source: BMW Motorrad