Not 100% sure if it's the old one, but it sure as hell looks like it. The newer one looks a bit different and is usually all black or at least a black cage. Maybe he's running it because it's lighter somehow? I don't 100% know if im right so don't cite me on this shit. And for anybody who thinks I'm wrong because I probably am and have been before please don't be a dick when you tell me so.
Idk? Some people do weird ass stuff. Not my problem. Maybe he just wants to run that. I run some weird ass shit on my bikes just cuz I want to. Doesn't really matter.