Hi all
The K&N has a very long history with Rotax. It is a good workable filter if serviced correctly, at the very least at the annual. That said the filter is what is used at Rotax and the power ratings and performance were all done with this filter type. Obviously there are different opinions and people look to 4 stroke automotive experience to compare, this however is not a valid comparison. We do not have mass airflow sensors, we do not have crankcase ventilation, PCV, valves, all things that do not like oil impregnated air filters. That said it is a proven filter for our application.
A CV carburetor flow rate for mixture control is not an issue with a K&N. I doubt the engine will run richer as the air flow dictates how much the throttle "slide" will rise based on the incoming air ambient pressure. (the slide is not physically connected to the throttle). One may see lower performance but I don't think you will see different EGT. What may be happening to the report of the K&N lowering EGT is that the slide put the needle in a different position (perhaps richer) position relative to the RPM.
Just my 25 cents worth of opinion.
Cheers