have you ever ridden that thing[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

you can see the reflection of the trees in the plastic...

 

They are like that for safety mostly I would think. If neutral was all the way up/down it would be to easy to hit it on accident if you aren't paying attention to what gear you are in. I have ridden an auto clutch before that was N, then 5 up. Hit neutral on one to many steep hills looking for a lower gear.

 

yea i agree with scooter