This is usually due to being over tightened, if the screws are cranked down to tight the gasket squeezes out the side and leaks. Keep that wiped off or it will peel the powder coat off.

 

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Will do. Thanks for the reply.
Should I top off the fluid to help alleviate the squishiness/softness of the lever?

 

That sounds like you may have air in the system.
Try removing the cap and tie the lever back to the bar with a cable tie overnight.

 

You could always bleed the clutch. Its fairly easy and a sure way to ensure the dealer didn't do something wrong.

Like others said, do not overtighten those screws.

sent from my phone. expect incorrect grammer and sloppy sentences.

 

I would like to bleed it, honestly, as I feel I would do a better job (even though I've never bled anything before) but I am moderately mechanically inclined.
Do I need a special tool to bleed or is it just a matter of adding fluid to the reservoir, having something to catch fluid under the bleed screw, and gently squeezing the lever?

 

Dot 4 fluid is very corrosive to paint. Get a clear plastic tube and insert it over the bleed nipple and drain into a bottle or some sort of catch basin. The covers paint problem is due to the corrosive effect of the Dot 4. I would get a new gasket. If its been over tightened then it is probably damaged.
I have found out if you slowly tighten the screws, both at the same time, until they just barely pinch the gasket then a 1/4 turn more and you should be good to go. Carry a small screwdriver with you. If you see more bleeding then tweak the screws a little