Didn't fit the airbox.
Once I modified the box, okay.
It didn't create any
Seat of the Pants dynamometer
horsepower.
When it was time to clean it,
Unless you have a replacement filter
You're parked until it's ready.

I see it as a religious ritual in search of a moment,, and it's not worth it.

JOG, I love the "Religious Ritual" comment.  I agree that washing and re-oiling filters is pretty much a pain.  I'm always searching for that last little pit of go-power so I guess you could say I'm the religious type.  The stock filter sure is easy to R&R.

Eau de sauvage, while I was doing additional tests on the airbox over the weekend, I had the opportunity to peer down the throat of the airbox (with the snorkel removed) at the fitup on the left side of the filter.  I noted there is a hook fit along that left side, and the square edge of the filter element has to slip under that hook.  When I misaligned the K&N with the hook, such that the edge of the filter butted against the edge of the hook rather than slip under it, the filter fit exactly like the photos you attached to your post.  It is significantly more difficult to slip the K&N into place than it is to slip the stock filter into place.  The stock filter has a taper on the left edge that, looks to me, like its intended to allow the user to install the element at an angle, slip the edge under the hook fit, and then pivot the filter forward and into place.  The K&N doesn't incorporate the tapered edge, which makes it more difficult to slip under the hook.

Regardless of the reason for your fitup problem, if you weren't satisfied with that filter, K&N should have taken care of you.  Did they refund your money, send you another element, do anything to make you happy, or just blow you off?

I don't understand your question regarding "correct filter foam with correct oil".  I tested the stock filter (pleated fabric/paper, no oil specified), the K&N (pleated gauze with K&N specified oil), and a homebrew assembly (stock frame with a polyester filler material oiled with canola oil).  For the homebrew assembly, I made a wood frame to simulate the stock steel frame.  I didn't test any sort of foam filter.

If you are interested in improved performance, and don't want to mess around with cleaning and oiling filters, you can realize significant improvements in flow with some simple (and free) modifications to your airbox.  There's a lot more flow available with the stock element.  Take a look at the latest entries to my post "Airbox Performance Tests", posted yesterday.

The filter must be oiled in order for it to work properly.  Uni even includes a warning that serious engine damage will occur if the filter is not oiled.

Because the configuration of the pod filter is different, I fabricated a special fitting to mount the pod to the flow bench.  To give the pod a fair test, I tried to make sure that the flow path into the bench was as large and smooth as possible.  To do this, I bored the ID of the fitting to eliminate any bottle-necks.  I also turned down the OD to accept the Uni 2.5” socket.

I started by doing a cross check with the stock filter element to verify that the bench would provide consistent results.  With the 51.85mm orifice, the stock element flowed 45% @ 1" H2O, exactly the same as the original test at the beginning of December.  The bench looks like its working fine.

So now we have a sixth configuration to compare to the five I previously tested.  I assumed we all would elect to run the Uni Filter without the sock since these aren’t dirt bikes.  Here’s how things shook out with the Uni in the mix configured for street use in accordance with instructions and warnings.

Test with 51.85mm orifice @ 1” H2O

Stock:                  45%
K&N:                          70%
Poly-fil dry:            45%
Poly-fil canola oil:      36%
Poly-fil K&N oil:            38%
Uni Filter:                    32%


Test with 42.38mm orifice @ ¾” H2O

Stock:                  58%
K&N:                          98%
Poly-fil dry:            57%
Poly-fil canola oil:      47%
Poly-fil K&N oil:            50%
Uni Filter:                    40%

This was not part of the test but an additional advantage to the Uni is the price, almost 1/3 the cost of a K&N and they are easier to install in the confined space we have to deal with.