I am riding a '95 and I like it. The engines on all of them are about bullet proof. I have heard of some cam chain tensioner problems but it seem mostly on '98 and newer. The '95 had a "problem" with the front forks and frame. I think this was mostly on the track. The '96 and '97 have slightly different fork tubes and the frames is supposed to be reinforced. Some aftermarket parts for the front forks are difficult to get for the '95. The straight line performance on all of them are about the same. The '98 up are a little lighter, are supposed to handle a little better and I think the brakes are a little better. I wouldn't be afraid of a '95-'97 but for the same money I would probably try for a '98 or better.
