OK, I know this will sound incredibly basic, but here it is.

According to the manual and the label on the side of the motor, this bike should take 1.6 quarts of oil. (Baja Phoenix 250 VIN_prefix_LUAH) However when I check it, 1.6 quarts doesn't even bring it close reaching the dipstick.

To check the oil I run it for a few minutes, then let it sit for about 5. Then check. I am not screwing the dipstick back in, just setting it on the top like the manual says. I have it on a level surface and am holding it level, not leaning it on the side stand. It does not have a center stand.

When I first got the bike I changed the oil and just kept adding oil until it was almost to the top of the dipstick. I forget how much I added, but I think it was over 2 quarts. The result was that I got an oil leak and had to replace the crank oil seal. Next time I was more careful, but still 1.6 was just not enough.. I added more until I just barely touched the bottom of the dipstick (about 1.8 quarts.) That was last fall and I didn't drive it much after that. A few weeks ago I changed the oil again and again added about 1.8 quarts. Since it is spring I have been driving it much more then I did in the fall after the last oil change. Now, after 2 weeks of driving every day, I have an oil leak again.

So, I'll replace the oil seal again. But then, should I just add 1.6 quarts? Of course that would make sense since that is what the manual says, but I'm afraid to add too little since it's not enough to show on the dipstick. Is it possible the bike has the wrong dipstick? Maybe it's too short? I bought it used so ya never know. Or do I have it wrong and you should check it by screwing the dipstick back in.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.