If you've ever driven a standard, you get smoother acceleration by slipping the clutch a bit when starting out. Let the clutch out a bit until the bike starts moving, and only let it out fully till you're going about 15mph. Keep pedaling while accelerating until you're happy with your speed.
It's not a motorcycle that you can torque it way up and clutch out, but it can still work the same way.
Mine makes a horrible squealing noise when the clutch is engaged at low speed, so I just burn the clutch until I'm going good and fast.