#1 Problem:  Hard to shift from Nuetral to first when the bike is stopped

Release and pull in the clutch again.  It should be easier to shift to 1st.  (Beats stomping on the shift pedal)

# 2 Problem:  the bike back fires when I stop

NOT to negate the effectiveness of the jetting solutions noted on here elsewhere.  

Before turning off the bike, gently rev the trottle to clear the gas from the exhaust and let the engine idle down a little, turn off the engine.  As if by magic, for me, no more backfire.

I don't stomp any more since I've found this easy solution.  I too usually shift while in motion.  But, every once in a while, I miss it or need to be in nuetral while I'm stopped somewhere briefly.

Yup, just feather it a bit to engage the current gear and then shift.  The linkage rod is something in the vicinity of $5 and is small and easy to carry, so I have a spare.

Ya, took me about 1 month to learn that stomping does no good.  I was rolling back and forth until I accidentaly pulled the clutch in again and WALA!!   Works every time!