Hey there I have a RVF400 (well hoping it is now anyway haha)
As I've read up the capacity should be 2.4l (2.5 with filter), but after draining my oil it looks it has had near 4ltrs in it, also after putting 2.5ltrs new oil into it, it doesn't even show on the dip stick?
Am I the only one with this problem?

Welcome..

It is a simple thing - the bike must be upright and on level ground, the dipstick resting on the case, not screwed in.

If you put 2.5 litres in it and there is not a large oily puddle under the bike (getting larger) then you must not be measuring it right.


If you had 4 litres in it...then I would be concerned that the fuel is flowing through the carbs and filling the sump.

This is a BAD THING

does the old oil smell of fuel?

if so - you need to check (and replace if necessary) that the fuel tap is sealing when turned off. If that is knackered (and they often are) then you'll need a diaphragm kit and an hour or so to make it right. Also you will want to check whether the float valves in the carbs are sealing properly - they are the second failsafe against leaky tap.

You can fix it, you'll learn some good skills and your bike will love you for it.

If the 4 litres of oil doesnt smell of fuel, it might be due to some one doing an oil change and filling the engine back up to the dipstick with the bike lent over.

Have you had the engine apart? I seem to recall that while the capacity at a change is 2.5L/2.4L depending on whether or not you change the filter, it is stated as being 3 litres to fill the engine if it has been completely stripped. 2.5 should be ample to refill the bike if it is being done and measured in the correct manner as above.