M696 2009 clutch friction zone question

[babydoc]

I am new to this fine bike, bought it with 20K miles on her, she has been lowsided by the previous kid owner. I've been riding BMWs before. Question is: the friction zone only exists in the first 1/2 -3/4 inch of the clutch lever action. Any movement past this has no effect. The gears change very well, smooth, and almost like no clutch lever action is necessary. s this normal? I think the lever was changed to nonstock ( it is bronze color) by the previous owner. Certified Ducati mechanic says this is OK. anyone?

[bikepilot]

Sounds normal to me.

[stopintime]

Normal

Just make sure there's enough lever freeplay to avoid constant slipping.
Some aftermarket levers don't have that adjustability. Yours?

It should look something like this:

[Veloce-Fino]

Definitely check the freeplay on the levers.

The 696 has a VERY small friction zone, as do most wet clutch bikes, but the 696 is definitely smaller than normal.

Makes quick shifting fun though. 

[Raux]

who uses a clutch

well ok at stops

[Slide Panda]

I'll pile on the normal band wagon. The APTC clutch is known for having a small friction zone that's very close to the end of the levers travel. It's been this way since the 620s. Some folks don't like it an swap to adjustable levers. You'll still have the small friction zone, but you can change where in the travel the engagement begins.

[babydoc]

Thanks for the great replies. I agree with you guys that is just normal. I got a little worried when a former Monster rider (10 years ago) thought it might be a bad sign. But it shows no sign of failure and is actually very fun to just blip it. So i think I'll just keep on having fun. Thanks.