From what I can see most "legit" Smokin' Joe bikes had a yellow powder coated front wheel.

However for rear wheel I've seen many purple, I have also seen some in black.

VIN checks out, its a 253. Should it be purple only? Does black indicate it was a wheel swap at some point?

 

The US model had the purple wheel (Pearl Paragon Purple). So yes, painted or swapped on a 98.