Funnily enough Nick, a loud bang into 1st isn't my overriding memory of my only ride on an RG500..... in order they struck me those memories were the difference in fit and finish between it's fairings and my VFR, the stink of petrol from the leaking carbs, the way it shook up and down like a windy pick until I hit the fast roads and then jeezuzbastardhellshitthebedfuckmesidewaysfuckerfuckerfuckeraaaaarghhhhh as it hit the power band, and ending with 'will you please turn you utter sod' as I wobbled round a corner.
Still, barking mad machines, big two strokes. What a shame they aren't allowed onto the world's roads any more.