filter SE Heavy breather). A few hundred miles ago it looked as red as the tank, now it's gray. Will cleaning and re-charging/oiling make it red again? I'm asking more on a visual than a maintenance level (I liked it red). If they just end up this way, may as well get a black one.

 

Not sure about what you've got, but I've got the SE Heavy Breather, and mine is red after I recharge it as well, but the oil wears off relatively quickly and then turns gray as well. It's the red colored oil (on mine anyway) that makes it red'ish. You don't have to do it as soon as the redish color goes away. I usually only do mine whenever I change my oil and have never had a problem with it. I'm guessing that your's is the same.

 

I've cleaned and rechages K and N filter since I was a kid and cleaning it every oil change is a good thought but dependent on environment. I would clean when filter is completely dark and you do not see red, not that big of a deal to recharge and you will feel better seeing it red.

 

If you like it red get yourself a rainsock for it. I know they come in black I assume they come in red too.