New Bike

Chopped in my ViragoXV1100 for a Kawasaki VN1500 today.
When I tried it out (straight from the workshop) the clutch did not
work. The manager says, "Get it warm first, front brake on full, slam it
into first and eventually the clutch (which is dry because the bike has
been stood on its side stand for a couple of weeks) will clunk in and
work".
In fact this did work and the bike drives like a dream.
"This," it was stated, "is a common problem with this bike."

Anyone else had this problem, heard of this problem or believe it to be
a genuine explanation of the 'no clutch' at time of trial run?

Yeah, mine used to be clutchless after being stored for the winter.

The VN1500's a nice bike (though not the kind of thing appreciated by
the crotch-rocketeers in this group).

BTW this is the first time I have bought from a dealer. All in all a
good experience.