When I first rode one, (800 GS) I tried in second and sort of thought, nah.. Gonna hurt this bike. But I spotted some guy on one on the M5, pulled away from a light and as he put it in 2nd, hoisted it up high. I didn't see him put it down, changed at least three gears before I lost sight. High up in the air, low revs, steady throttle, relaxed, controlled wheelie. Next time I rode one, I started to feel my way around first gear. Took a few tries and I was picking it up in second as well.. But as personal choice, I like to gently lift it in first and go to second in the hoist. Balance it and gently go through the gears. Depends on the road, what gear I stay in. About 110km/h max, and they will go through to sixth if I have the space and the road...