Mine´s a 97 model too. Bought it off the dealer´s floor as a holdover bike in 99. Just comming up on 20K miles without any problems. Also had to have the carbs de-gunked after I bought it (probably caused by the bike sitting for two years on the dealer´s floor with the float bowls and fuel line full of old gas). No other then normal maintenance otherwise done on the bike. This is my first bike and I´ve thought now and again about trading it in on a newer snazzier model, but I just can´t part with it. I´ll likely to have a spot in my garage forever. Not typical of biker´s in general, or me in particular, but I really like the bike that much. It is a great all around riding bike. Good power, good handling, quiet, smooth, comfortable riding position, and a good looker to boot (IMHO). Wish the brakes were a bit stronger but they do job done. I´m all smiles about this bike. Just wish I had more time to ride it.