I've seen people on R in Alps this summer and you can watch videos of RoyalJordanian on YT touring on his S1000R, so it is doable. XR has more relaxed sitting position than R, so your legs won't suffer after day of riding.
I also think that price for base XR, should be in S1000R SPORT territory, otherwise it will be too much. If base Multistrada is 13k, which from technology perspective is more advanced bike ( new engine, hydraulic clutch, very good quality switch gear, new instrument cluster, etc), I don't think XR should cost the same. On top of that looks of Multi is growing on me after seeing both bike in flesh. Multistrada will be available at the beginning of Feb for test rides, whereas XR - June at the earliest...