serial number manufactor date mismatch

[Blade944]

Strange situation with my bike. The serial number has a year code of "V" which is 1997. Yet the manufactor date is listed on the sticker as 03/96. What time of the year did the model year change? I can't really tell the year by colour either as I think it has been repainted to a darker red. As I understand it red was available in 95 but 96 was black and 97 was silver and black.
Any insight?

 

[one2dmax]

it would not be unheard of to have a 97 with that early a manufacturer date. The dealer should be able to verify it by the vin if you call them.

Sean