Welcome,
Glad to see you are after the best variant of the sports bikes series :wink:
Its always good to ask questions, search the 'SS' forum and there may well be some answers in there otherwise I'm sure someone with more knowledge than me of the later bikes will be along shortly.
Dont rule out the 7/9 series bikes as there are hi-rise bars kits available - if you really like the chassis/engine but not the riding position it could be a way to go.
The book I have states the Fuel Injected 900SS came out in 1998.
I dont believe I have experienced Carb icing on my 93 900SS yet - but I tend not to ride much in winter anyway.
A full dealer/service history is always taken as pretty much essential on anything newish I gather. I have not heard of any particular failing with the fork seals at all but as always stand to be corrected.
Hope to see you back as a member sometime
Regards - Frank