[alanmcorcoran]

If you slip the clutch enough you can start in third gear, but I think you'll get the best acceleration if you work your way up and don't skip first. First gets it rolling quickest. If you are headed downhill it might not matter.

The thing that I think is more important is the habits that you will form. I find it to be best to be in first gear at a stop for a number of reasons. After six months or so of riding, much of what you end up doing is all done automatically without thinking. I agree that the GZ is somewhat pokey as far as getting going and there ain't much go in first, but after a while you don't notice it as much. If you leave it in second when you come to a stop on a hill, you might stall out.

I can actually get my Strat rolling in fifth gear, but, like the GZ, I think it works best if i go through the normal paces.