what is the gear range selector on the 400ex? is it 1,n,2,3,4,5?
why do some 4-wheelers have it like that? what purpose does it serve?

 

you are right on the shift sequences ( 1-down , 4 -up ) , i asked one day why the shift patterns were like that and i was told it was the best way. You wouldnt want N below first, ( what if you were down-shifting riding a trail and accidentally hit N when u needed 1 ) , and that you wouldnt want it any higher then 1, i guess they want N to be where you have to search for it, kinda make for sure that you want to hit, not accidentally get into N . just my thought, im not sure exactly it was explained ( its been several years since i even thought about the situation ), hope i helped

 

Id rather have 1,n,2 because when your in neutral, you can shift into 1st, or 2nd if your lazy, and want to skip 1st.