Fuel filter keeps emptying.

[firstone]

The pleated paper fuel filter keeps emptying as I ride, eventually starving the engine.  I removed the fuel line from the fuel pump and fuel pours through the filter from the tank.  Using a pony tank I checked the fuel pump output pressure at ~ 1PSI.  The filter refills if I leave the bike sitting for a LONG while.  Anybody have a clue? 

[Lucky]

--you have the petcock on "on" right? not prime.
--those pleated paper filters are pretty large for this system, leaving a lot of air space. (air is compressable, fuel less so) making it hard for your fuel pump to keep up. get yourself a 1/4" plastic cone filter with the sintered bronze element from Napa. it's with the lawnmower stuff.  try to get the clear one not the white plastic one.
--check your fuel pump for a rebuild.