I've written this before, but for the benefit of the new guys, try this in a big empty parking lot. From a dead stop and in 2nd gear, release the brakes and without adding throttle, let the clutch out over a quick count of 'a thousand and one' (1 second, not just popping the clutch) and the bike gently takes off. For a quicker take off, add throttle and if you add a hell of a lot, the front wheel will come up. Given the performance, I just don't understand why anyone would use 1st gear unless riding two up, on a hill, pulling a trailer, maneuvering in the parking lot, or walking it into the garage. A lot of Goldwingers refer to 1st as a 'walking gear' to compliment the reverse gear, and THAT makes sense. Like 1st gear in an old pickup, only for special occasions, or every gear in a tractor trailer - not used when pulling an empty trailer. They also refer to parking a Goldwing in the garage being like docking the Starship Enterprise (I LOVE that one). If starting in 1st from a stop light at a decent sized intersection, the bike is begging to be shifted from 1st in the middle of the intersection! I suppose some might have a very sedate riding style, but this IS a muscle cruiser. Thanks, I feel better now.
