| Job done, it took 45 mins in total. Moved sundry items on the left bar; removed clutch lever, loosened bar and turned 180deg to reveal the offending dowel. After WD-40/pliers/elbow grease, I came to the conclusion that drilling the dowel out was the way forward. I proceeded with a 3.5mm drill bit down the centre of the dowel and then a 4mm to finally open it up. The drill bit gripped the dowel which then came out on the end of the bit.
A similar procedure was done on the right hand bar. A little more difficult as you have to loosen the throttle and starter before getting to the front brake.
Not a big job really but very rewarding as the newly adjusted positions feel so much more natural now. I shall look to adjust the bar position next.
Thanks to all that advised on this point. | 
Threaded Mode