I'm really enjoying my Super Duke. After 12 years away from bikes I was wondering if the 690 Duke was the better choice for me. It probably is for 90% of the time, but somehow that 10% means the 990 is near perfect

Just wondering what is "normal" for the 990 when engaging first gear while stationary. My previous Japanese bikes were pretty smooth when selecting first - just a neat snick on the lever with the bike wanting to very softly bump forward. But my 990 seems to demand a very deliberate boot into first and the bike bucks more than a bit. I'd have to say the 990 is a sledgehammer, where the Jap bikes were ball pein hammers. Is this normal? Anything to check?

Thanks.

Snick, it does not. When warmed up and ridden, it should feel much more gentle of an engagement. I would not rely on first take off after warm up as judgement. That said, If the bike feels to lunge then you need to look into the usual maintain methods.
Change your oil.

Clutch slave going bad perhaps? Or needs a bleed with fresh mineral oil.