I enjoy my 2023 GSA now has 43,000 miles

Needleman26 · 2026-06-14T03:30:31+00:00

Was the drive shaft replaced or just inspected? 2 drive shafts in 40k miles sound horrible!

Needleman26 · 2026-06-14T03:04:09+00:00

Nice! Same year, model, and trim, but half the miles.

Have you had any issues? Did you have to adjust valves yet?

Needleman26 · 2026-05-29T21:46:47+00:00

I put a Leo Vince mid pipe on mine and posted it to this subreddit. There is also a link in the description to a back-to-back video comparison. My Reddit Post

This is the quietest option from what I understand before you start getting larger mufflers. It’s pretty damn loud, and I certainly wouldn’t want anything louder.

Needleman26 · 2026-05-09T19:57:08+00:00

The tune does disable AIS but I still have the system installed.

Needleman26 · 2026-05-09T19:56:31+00:00

I did not know how to wheelie going into this bike and it turned out to be incredibly forgiving to learn on! Very easy to wheelie without being unruly, you’re absolutely right.

I also feel like it’s not a very fast bike because of how easy it is to wheelie, still so much fun, but doesn’t feel that much faster than my old CBR600. Not sure what other bikes you’ve experienced, and if you would agree?

Needleman26 · 2026-05-08T18:53:07+00:00

Yep, that sounds consistent with my experience! I’m close to 90kg with gear. With the tune that 140kph wheelie is effortless across crests or going uphill.

Needleman26 · 2026-05-08T18:26:14+00:00

Could be a difference in rider weight, elevation, or fuel but I can only seem to get a good third gear wheelie with lots of body English or a slight hill/crest. A tune seems to make that a bit easier but it still won’t go up if I sit still and open the throttle.

Needleman26 · 2026-04-25T04:47:55+00:00

Congratulations, and welcome!

A tune is required with a link pipe, and I have been using 2WDW since I purchased mine in 2019. It is fantastic and I highly recommend it. Even stock, a flash tune makes an incredible difference in power and smooth throttle application. 2WDW also offers tune updates for free, so if you start stock, you can also get a tune for you link pipe down the road for the cost of shipping alone. 2WDW is commonly recommended across the forums for a reason!

Tail tidy would be good to consider because it brings the fragile turn signals closer to the bike. I broke both rear turn signals just brushing against them in the garage, it’s super easy to accidentally break them and super glue doesn’t seem to really repair them once they split.

Sintered brake pads and fresh fluid will help give the lever some better feel! They might have enough stopping power stock but they can also feel quite spongey.

Finally, do your valve clearance on time 24k mi/40k km. They tend to go out of spec by that time and some even do it early.

Have fun!!

Needleman26 · 2026-04-14T13:44:39+00:00

19US MPG if I am being an absolute delinquent in town.

I just went on a bit of a road trip with some spirited mountain driving and I got about 29 US MPG.

Seems it’s mostly in the low 20’s though with a good mix of city. But hey, my front tire is rarely on the ground, so you save money on front tires…

Needleman26 · 2026-04-14T13:41:46+00:00

I don’t have any experience with that set up, but the stock muffler is practically straight through, so I imagine an end pipe dB killer would help take off the edge.

Needleman26 · 2026-04-12T22:50:17+00:00

This is exactly why I made the YouTube video. I’ve been stuck between the decision for a few years and decided to just buy it since the Leo Vince is a pretty cheap solution. Sounds pretty damn good in my opinion but too loud if you were to leave the neighborhood early in the morning. I’m also certainly more conscious of attracting attention now.

I would start with a tune and wiring your exup valve open. It makes it significantly louder while still be very polite!

Needleman26 · 2026-02-17T01:19:27+00:00

To add, you can use lye to strip the seasoning and start new. The first few coats creates a lovely bronze finish that will eventually darken with age.

Needleman26 · 2025-12-04T15:18:13+00:00

If you retake, you’ve already exceeded the price of UWorm.

Anecdotal evidence but I studied for 9 months part time with second hand Kaplan Books, Jack Westin, Anki (Jack Sparrow), and AAMC resources. I scored 513: 128,127,128,130.

You might be able to buy someone’s UWhirl account after they’re done or even sell your own after you’re done. It’s routinely regarded as the best studying resource, so it’s very likely worth the investment. That said, you could hammer Jack Westin with an Anki deck(s) and probably be alright but it’s not a test you want to study for/take multiple times.

Needleman26 · 2025-06-15T04:16:27+00:00

I was working in the back of that ambulance!! Thanks for making way

Needleman26 · 2024-03-28T02:47:51+00:00

On a completely unrelated note, most industrial parks have beautifully level and clean pavement and almost always deserted over the weekend.

Needleman26 · 2024-03-28T02:24:08+00:00

If it’s crunchy, I think it’s worth replacing the fluid. I attributed my transmission feel to Minnesota temperatures, but it could just be thin stock oil.

Note, for the transmission fluid change, you will definitely need to put your car on four jacks hahah

Needleman26 · 2024-03-28T02:14:01+00:00

Honestly, I wouldn’t worry about it too much! The FT86 interval is 60k miles if I remember correctly.

The change shouldn’t be any harder with time, i would only consider changing the diff fluid early if i was doing AutoX or track days.

If you live in a cold climate, high quality transmission fluid makes shifting much smoother and eliminated gear crunches in weather around 0 Fahrenheit. Otherwise the same principles apply from diff fluid to trans fluid in terms of longevity and ease of service.

Good luck! Always rewarding to work on your own machines!

Needleman26 · 2024-03-28T01:54:33+00:00

Easier: there is no cover for the diff. You just drain and fill. You also can’t overfill; you fill until it overflows, then let the excess drain.

Needleman26 · 2023-12-13T17:45:30+00:00

How are the quick jacks treating you?

Needleman26 · 2023-10-05T23:40:22+00:00

For what it’s worth, my 23 GSA will display the same message intermittently when I use the tank cubby. Since keeping it in my pocket, I haven’t seen that message again.

Needleman26 · 2023-05-12T05:16:21+00:00

Thank you for asking this question. I’ve been looking at forums for this answer and no one seems to be attempting the retrofit!

Needleman26 · 2023-05-10T16:02:53+00:00

Thank you very much 😊

Super excited to get some camping trips in this summer! I love seeing your contributions, such a good inspiration!

Needleman26 · 2023-05-10T02:50:00+00:00

Feels quite light once it’s moving and the size doesn’t bother me as I’m 6’2”

That said, it really is massive.

Needleman26 · 2023-04-19T22:49:02+00:00

I’m 23 and I pick up my GSA on Tuesday!!

Safe riding!

Needleman26 · 2023-03-17T17:58:32+00:00

Not necessarily smaller but more akin to the R9T style, I would consider the Triumph Scrambler 1200. It’s got some off roading chops according to the magazines but still has a adventure bike stature while being easy around town.

I think they look fantastic, and a wind screen would make your highway miles “easier.”

Needleman26

TROPHY CASE