looking at pics of f4i's, most have no paint on the clutch and stator cover....mine has black paint on it and looks like it is slowly fading away...
i had the impression they all came from the factory with black paint and they all just came off at one point? is this true? is there an easy way to remove this black paint? seems everytime i give it a wash, some of it comes off.....

 

Most likely your covers have been painted...and it seems with not the correct paint! The OEM covers are a off-camo dark green-ish color. It is common for owners of these bikes to paint or use after-market covers on the stator and clutch housing. Re-paint it!

Personally I like the look of the stock housings/covers. I have thought about painting mine black bc of the shiney silver metal scuff I have on the clutch cover

 

Powder coat FTW.... over the winter I am planning to powder coat mine.