Motorcycle Repair: 1985 Yamaha Maxim, clutch lever, netural

Question
Hello,
I am new to motorcycles.  I have taken some rider training courses and found a 1985 Yamaha Maxim in great looking shape.  Obviously with a 21 year old bike it's going to have some "personality", but I am worried that there may be some problems with the clutch or even the transmission.  When I go to start it the bike always wants to surge forward when I hit the starter.  I've got the clutch lever all the way in.  I've also attempted use the shifter to find neutral before starting, but nothing happens when I try to work the shifter before the bike is started.  I suppose I could just leave the bike in neutral when I park it, but in training I was always told to park the bike in gear.  Can you tell me if this behaviour indicates a problem?  Thanks.

Answer
You should always start the bike in netural. What is happening is the clutch is cold and wants to pull the bike foward. If you have trouble finding netural rock the bike back and forth while using the shift lever and it should work. If not then park it in netural.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike