sounds like you'll just have to get used to it.

 

I think it's normal for the dealer to adjust the clutch that way at the 1000 mile service. They're going for the highest reasonable engagement point since that is how the book says to do it and it allows room for a new cable to stretch a bit. You can back off the adjustment at the cable. Just be prepared to readjust if the lever engages too close to the grip in a few thousand more miles...

 

I did my own 1000 mile service, guess I set it that way. I just went outside during a break at work and gave the cable some more slack. Gonna see how it is on the way home.

 

You're right about the clutch grabbing too far out. Many others feel that way although its a matter of opinion I agree with you. I got mine to grab much sooner- not right off the bar but about 30% off the bar which is easier for me to modulate. Derby cover off and did clutch adjustment screw about 1/4 of the way out. So its "out of factory spec". What the hell do I care, I put over 50000 miles on my 99 Glide like that. Even if hypothetically it did make the clutch wear faster- which is bullshit because the rider makes the clutch wear out - the increaesd slipping ( with it adjusted the way yours is) to find the sweet spot is a wear out and I found it dangerous because it hampered my confidence to take off quickly when I wanted to. I think clutch engagemnet is the second hardest thing for HD guys, the first being the "right exhaust quest". Yeah yeah yeah I'm there too

 

I adjusted mine the same way and I don't see any negative issues.

 

I've been tweaking my friction-zone recently. I learned that if you turn the clutch plate adjuster screw in (clockwise) the friction zone is closer to fully extended. Adjust ccw and it moves closer to the bar.

The instructions in the service manual for adjusting the clutch are way too vague. Too much guess-work involved. I found a post last year that makes the adjustment perfect every time.

1. Loosen the jam-nut inside the derby cover.

2. Loosen the clutch cable until the hand control lever makes contact with the handlebar.

3. While lightly holding the clutch lever against the handlebar, tighten the clutch-plate adjust screw until the clutch handle moves away from the handlebar then back it off until the lever just barely touches the bar then tighten jam-nut.

4. Tighten clutch cable for a dime's width at the cable ferrule at the lever.

You can experiment with it as I have to move the friction-zone in/out.

 

Somebody posted this here, I forgot who it was but it helped me alot.
http://www.hdtalking.com/transmissio..._the_book.html

 

Don`t think it was mentioned here... it`s important to do this adjustment with the motorcycle cold. In the warm up transition it loosens up quite a bit.