You are correct Northwind,it seems crazy that buying Italian you do have to accept that maybe you are not in for the kind of trouble free ownership that you become accustomed to by having excellent Japanese machinery.
After all I do love Jap I just got to the point were I thought I would try something a little diferent.
Haxsaw I have to say that for your daily usage the 749 is not the best bike at all! She is not a commuter and you will find yourself getting cooked by the heat coming off the motor.I would suggest that is a total mismatch of needs and wants also.(Sorry just my opinion!)
The clutch? Well I am used to it by now and although a touch heavier than the norm,there is no requirement for Popeye type forearms at all.