Have you checked your chain recently?

About a week before I left for the MotoGp race in Austin, I felt a vibration/ticking through my footpegs.

I rode for a few days until on my morning commute to work I noticed it got worse. So I decided to check my chain over for tight spots. I only had 11k miles on the chain, but it was not a top of the line o-ring chain. I did find a spot in the chain that was a little stiff, but not what I thought would make me feel it through the pegs. I decided to remove the chain and do a good visual. That is when I noticed a link did not look right. Needless to say, I went to the Honda dealer and they had a good DID chain. It was amazing how much better the bike felt, no more vibration or ticking felt through the foot pegs. I can not believe I rode on it that many miles before I checked over my bike. I was fortunate this time. I hope you who ride with chain driven bikes, are checking your chains regularly. I do now, as well as listen to my bike when it is telling me that something is not right. Listen to your rides, and they will take care of you.