People always compare old stuff with the new stuff. Like just how people are comparing Harley Davidson vs. Indian which has just 'revived' an year ago in States.
ITS ABSOLUTELY NORMAL.
Why its bothering some people here is just beyond me...
Perhaps, they want it discussed in a seperate thread?
Anyhow, seems like a sweet ride although to "nit pick" its STILL and old tech bike, not what Yamaha promised in its advertisements! I mean, it doesn't even have an EFI... But still, its a start...
People here may find the gear pattern odd or even dumb/foolish but its the norm in west for as long as 1970's!!! My over 2 decade old 1992 DR350 had the same gear pattern.
Its called: FIRST DOWN, REST UP! Neutral is somewhere between 1st and 2nd gear, the transmission doesn't 'snuck' into it like a CD70 though. Its just there...!