Stiff clutch..normal or not?
 

I recently bought a 97 kx125 from a buddy..the clutch is pretty stiff, and very hard to pull. I have no problems with it slipping or releasing or anything, it's just hard to pull and after 15 minutes of riding, my arm is killing me. I bought a service manual and did some research online and it seems like this model just has a very stiff clutch? Also it is winter so that might have something to do with it? I looked over the bike and noticed that there is not any kind of bushing or spacer along the release shaft (the part that goes into the case and connects to the push rods), which cause it to move up and down just a little...any advice would be great, thanks!!!