Just an update guys, per csmith12's suggestion I swapped back in my oem shift rod, removed my side fairings and seat(where I also discovered the dealership guys broke my left side fairing clip
), snaked the strain gauge through and rolled it up and zip tied it neatly and stuffed it under the seat. I adjusted my shift lever further down and the bike feels absolutely fantastic. I also have the piece of mind that if I do ever choose to want the QS again, it's simply under my seat. Thanks so much for the suggestions!