Sounds like whoever changed/checked the oil last time didn't warm up the bike as Rich suggests, and just filled up the frame until the oil showed on the dipstick...
Every time I change the oil and filter on my XR400 I let it thoroughly drain from both bolts, then stick 1900ml (or a round two litres if I'm being lazy) in along with the new filter, and the level is pretty near perfect once it's warm.
xxx
|