This past Tuesday, BMW turned heads as they unveiled a motorcycle concept that could redefine this century’s safety standards for bikers.

The Motorrad Vision Next 100, latest in BMW’s 100^th-anniversary series, features self-balancing systems for both when the bike is at rest and in motion. Advanced “flexframe” technology would allow for turns without the joints you see on the bikes of today; turning the handlebar would cause the bike to readjust the entire frame to turn the bike. At slower speeds, only a slight amount of force is required, whereas a rider has to push much harder to turn at fast speeds- which helps avoid jerks and twitches at high speeds that would cause disastrous crashes.

Another system called a “Digital Companion” is included in the bike, intended to offer advice and adjustment suggestions. Also included is what BMW calls “The Visor,” a Google Glass-like headset that overlays the rider’s vision with active feedback about road conditions, and helps the bike adjust to the cyclist’s riding style.

While this concept is a bit out there, the ideas presented in it could pave the way for future feats of engineering in the transportation industry- in a world where driverless cars may be possible, who’s to say what is and isn’t possible?