i have a 2004 280 pro and everytime i change the oil there appears to be a lot of metal on the magnet on the drain bolt, is this normal? oil is changed every 8 hours of riding or after its had a tough workout!

I have also noticed this on my 125 Pro. I had assumed it is normal and just keep changing the oil frequently.

Are the clutch plates metal????

not quite sure what the plates are made of but will soon find out.

I have always found a fine sluge of metal on any magnetic sump plugs I have removed from either cars or bikes. As long as there are not bits (lumps!) that look like they fell off, or were chipped off of a internal part I would say that that you don't have a problem.

If the manufacturer didn't think there was metal to collect on the magnet he would have saved some money & not fitted one (IMHO)

It is the normal wear and tear of the internal parts. Now imagine if the oil didn't carry it away. Ouch, all that not so nice friction and the parts start to burn and disintergrate.

I always find a nice amount of small pieces of metal on my magnet, I'd assume its normal and keep going.