K&N filters issues? Improvements?

[MB2]

'91 GS500e, stock air box, yoshimura pipe.

So I'm looking into the potential for improvement in my engines intake...and came to the conclusion I really only have 2 decent options.

1. Run the stock air box, and a decent quality drop-in filter
2. Replace the air box for a K&N pod/lunch box style air filter


My question is, which should I go with and why? I've searched and haven't found many solid answers. I've gathered it's possible/likely my throttle response will improve, and after rejetting there is potential for a gain in SOME hp if I got a K&N air box replacement. It also seems it may improve the off-throttle popping (backfiring), and smooth out the overall engine performance?

What about running without the stock air box in the rain? How likely is it I'll suck up water and cause more harm then good...knowing that I live in a pretty rainy area?

[The Buddha]

Either of those setup's is a easy jet. 150 mains and 40 pilots if you do K&N drop in, and 125 mains if you leave the airbox stock. I sell a pack for 25 shipped ... comes with washers and bolts too, you should be able to search here for it, there is tons of info on the set up.
Water - well on a hot motor you will not take in enough water to matter via the K&N, however a K&N is less clean and therefore accelerates wear on the motor. I wont recomend it oon a bike with low miles. In fact I have a good theory that it was what caused my 89's accelerated oil use. Though it was always using oil, about 1/2 qt in 3K when it had 15K on it ... by the time I got to 48K it was @ a qt in 300. Stock filter keeps more dirt out and hence can extend the life of the motor.
Cool.
Buddha.