Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,639
Likes: 1,106
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
The M is the only thing that counts for dating. Do a search of the forums for Univega serial number, there is a long posting going through it in detail.
Although built by Miyata, that does not make it a Miyata. Kind of like my Schwinn Prologue. Although built by Panasonic, it is not a Panasonic.
Good, solid, Japanese built touring bike. I had one that just didn't fit, so I moved it on (and coincidentally,replaced with a Miyata touring bike).