I start the engine, engage the clutch, select first gear.
When I release the clutch nothing happens until it is almost completely released. then it is ok if a little jerky since I have maybe an eighth of an inch of clutch control. What might the problem be, can I fix it myself? Is it urgent to get it fixed - ie what are the chances of the bike breaking down. The bike is a Honda CLR125, which I have just bought.

Perhaps engage is the wrong word and I should have said squeeze.
I am guessing that if I adjust the sable i will still only get that small bit of clutch control but it will be in the middle. there is the normal resistance when i squeeze the clutch but that may be a spring in the lever??? I am not a motor mechanic but my best guess is that maybe there is a problem with a spring in the clutch.

No experience with the bike, but here's some general info

Some bikes just have very little range in the friction zone. My old VF500c magna only had a friction zone of about half an inch at the very end of play.

First, make sure you're cable is adjusted correctly. There should be a little free play in the clutch lever. Look at where it meets the clutch bracket. When you squeeze the clutch, the free play should only let that gap open up to the width of a nickel. Any more and it's too loose, any less and it's too tight. If the cable is adjusted right, you probably just have a small friction zone. Check a bike specific forum and see if they have any fixes for it. I know they have them for some bikes, but sadly not all. Leaving the clutch cable too loose though can be a hazard so don't follow that route

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Thanks I have adjusted the cable and i suspect you are right, that the clutch was made the way it is.