When I push throttle lever forward rpms don't even start to move until it is about halfway up. And in reverse I know we have l1/4 throttle but it does nothing, just idle rpm with lever as far fwd as it will go. Throttle cable just need adjusting possibly?
I had similar issue. The metal mechanism below the shift lever was bent. It was impossible to take up the slack with the cable adjustment. Remove the levers and inspect. You only need to unbend.
Problem likely comes from someone forcing throttle lever when when transmission is in Neutral.