So I have both an NC30 and an NC23, and the clutch on the NC30 is way, way heavier than on the NC23. I'd say you need to pull at least three times as hard. Is this normal? Is it possible some previous owner put in harder clutch springs? Or is something not right?

Is it adjusted right? If so maybe a new cable is needed, only about £12 if it's too much of a strain

I don't know how an adjustment can change how heavy it is. It's certainly possible that the cable is both worn and un-lubed, but the difference is so large I suspect something else is going on.

It's pretty common for owners to put an extra clutch spring in which makes the action heavier.

i thought the same tbh, is there a way to make it less stiff. hydrolic? or does that lose its feel?

I am having the same problem. I drive in downtown Bangkok and with all the heavy traffic, after 30 minutes my left forearm is killing me from pulling the clutch in. I would love to hear any tips on how I could soften it up as well.

i'd try oiling the cable as a cheap potential fix in the first instance

Spray some wd40 down the cables to loosen them up, always works for me :).

its not so much that the cable isnt lubed, it just feels heavy on the hands. is it common?

When I changed from a YBR125 to the NC30 I thought the clutch was really heavy, but I got used to it pretty quick.