I just changed the engine oil in my 2003 XT600E for the first time since I got the bike. Having drained the oil tank and crankcase (I didn't replace the filter this time) I added 2.7l of oil as specified in the owners manual. I then followed the intructions for checking the level and found that the dipstick was completely dry. So I kept adding more oil until the dipstick had oil on it up to the "F" mark. In all I added more than 3.5l which seems a hell of a lot. Have I now got too much oil in the bike - checking it still shows it to be bang on the "F"? I've never had a bike with a "dry sump" and an oil tank before. What does it all mean? Help!

3.5l is a lot of oil. if it doesn't leak, that's too much.
how did you checked oil level? have you opened bleed screw on top of oil filter cap, and did the oil passed through when you started her up?
you shoud warm up the engine, hell, drive it around for 10 minutes, then stop, let her idle for 10-15 seconds, put her upright and check.

Yeah, I checked the bleed screw and it seeped oil. I checked the level today when I got home from work just like you said and it seems ok. I'll keep you posted if it blows a gasket!

No sure if this helps...

But I find when ever the oil has been changed in either of our XT600e's the oil level always drops dramtically in the first 100km or so - not sure why this is, but I have come to accept it. I think the most I have added is one litre. After a service I always carry an extra litre of oil with me for a week or so, regularly checking the level.

However, on the plus side, once the oil is at the right level, it appears to stay there for ever.

As for warming up. I would echo Okrad comments. Ride the bike around for a good ten minutes and then leave it to settle in a vertical position for about 2 minutes or so, allowing the oil time to settle nicely, before checking.

Interesting, this dramatic drop in oil level is not something that a Yamaha dealer will tell you (warn) about either. Not sure they even know its an issue.

Iv just changed my oil today on my 2003 XT600E. Iv done a fair few times and i always get strange results..

I drained her dry (without filter change) and after putting 2.7l in (per book), she still doesnt read on the dipstick. Even with another 200ml its only just touching the bottom.

This reading is from warming her up for 4 mins, leaving her to settle for 2 mins then checking with the dipstick unscrewed.

Everytime i do a change on a newer XT I get this, I have to ride it for a while before I can get an accurate reading.

I would never put more than 3L in the engine just cant take it without spitting it out into the airbox (I checked mine and its got the odd drop in there as per expected).

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