I've had the '89 Softail in to the dealer at 11,000 miles to have the clutch adjusted; twice now at about that mileage.
The clutch engages at the last 1/4" of the handle and I asked to have it engage about 1/2 pull as I have small hands.
Both times I get it back with the engagement at the last possible fraction. They service desk said everyone wants it that way for the fastest shifting.
What do I need to do to get it where I want it?
Can a clutch adjust (assuming the plates are okay) be done while waiting, like how long should it take?

 

To do a clutch adjustment correctly it has to be cold. It's fairly simple, and only requires a few tools, with the manual and a couple tools you could easily do it yourself. You could also put a reduced reach/throw lever on to compensate for your petite hands.... just a thought

 

Sounds like you need to get a service manual for your bike and do the adjustment yourself, it's easy.

 

Is there any cautions or tricks to doing it onself?

 

You can just put more slack in the cable with the cable adjuster to bring the engagement point further in.

The downside with doing this, either at the cable or at the adjuster under the derby cover, is that the clutch won't disengage as completely.... there will be a little more drag on the clutch. I'm sure you can get away with doing it a little though, without feeling it dragging when you're stopped, or causing difficulty when shifting.

 

Watch a video on how it's done on youtube.

 

Thank you for the hints and help.

Decided to ride it some more today before doing that and I think I can live with it. If I rev it up when starting and hit the gas, the clutch sorta slides into engagement as it takes off like a rocket. Lots of power at that point hitting it I guess. Did get the service manual - good buy!