This bike has great pickup. I was at stop light and was across the road before a 1500 Kawasaki and a 1500 GoldWing with experienced riders got out of first gear. Yes! Life is sweet, and of course the cars were stopped at the light before I took off. ´Course the guys just might have been letting me feel my oats but....SMILE, YES! Good throttle response, am working on breaking and turning skills.