It was definitely after August 1997 (as my work area changed from Huddersfield to Halifax shortly after I collected a brand new P reg company car on 1st August 1997) and late autumn 1999 (which is when I found out I was moving to Suffolk and put the bike in the garage). I cannot be precise but I seem to remember he gave me the bike towards the end of the summer in 1997.
Possibly a 98 actually. 97/8 for those deacal. See Gil_M on here for replacements.
It was definitely after 1st August 1997 but I'm not sure when the bike was actually built. It could have been built earlier than that as you say, however it was not sold - I helped a chap that lived in Halifax who told me he was a 'designer'. I had no idea what he designed and didnt ask, but after I'd completed the work (which helped him out massively) he asked to meet up at a pub (I thought, for a 'thank you' drink) and he opened the boot of his car and gave me the bike. I said 'what's this?' and he explained it was a 'prototype' and he'd designed it. He then said 'it's for you - thank you!'
