How far is the clutch lever from the hand grip before the load gets put on the engine? 1/2 inch, 1 inch?
Hydraulic clutch may be why it feels different as well as a different make of bike.
What is the mileage on the bike? I have close to 17,000 on mine and it did feel different from the 2013 LTD I had before.
Do you have a friend with a similar bike to see if they a a similar feel?
Its not, but that is exactly what it feels like.Sounds like your in 2nd gear to me.
I wonder if someone changed the sprocket set or wheel pulley. Is this how the bike has been since you bought it? Do you know the previous owner of the bike?