35 quid for a Pipercross.
Last time i bought a HiFlo the bike ran shite for 3 days, which then pointed me in the direction of the K&N. Huge difference once it was changed again.
but it would be the last one you'd buy.
Well the paint does not break down in petrol.So that filter is not going back in the bike - it's going in the bin.Want my bike back on the road, so ordered a paper Hiflo - in stock from wemoto - so fingers crossed I have it in a couple of days.Been using HiFlo oil filters for years. They seem good quality and I've had no issues. One wonders if HiFlow is the OE manufactuerer in any case.
For what it's worth I've used Hiflo in all my bikes and cars for years 'n' with no issues. No plans to change.
I'd bet that the patch with the paint stripped off was facing the carbs when you took the filter out?. It's going to be inclined to draw the air through from the closest point isn't it and maybe that's what has over time pulled the paint off. It'd just go through the engine and out down the exhaust without any real issues wouldn't it?.
There's not any sign of corrosion on the exposed mesh which would suggest it's something non-ferrous or plated wouldn't it.