Ive got an 89 GS500 19k miles, when i accelerate in 1st gear i hear a clicking noise from the chain area and the bike has quick pauses, but doesnt cut off. i suspect its the chain but i dont see anything wrong, and if it was the chain why would it only be a problem in low gear?

this sound familiar to anybody?

You have more torque or pressure on the chain in first. When the chain begins to skip a tooth it will first happen with hard acceleration in first gear. Happens all the time with dirt bikes.