Okay........

[mx250]

.......what have I missed . I've given this a few sharp blows with the trusty Tapometre but it didn't move a fraction. These are normally just a slip fit aren't they? (standard taper roller bearing in a 44M).

[All Things 414]

Yup. It should just about fall out when you undo the nut. 

[mx250]

Yup. It should just about fall out when you undo the nut. 

Okay, I'll implement the old Fitter and forker's motto; 'If you first don't succeed, get a bigger hammer' .

[caps 999]

mmmm rusty dam spanish bikes 

[mike1948]

I had an enduro model which all the heat in the world wouldn't budge.  I had to grind through the inner part of the bearing & split with a cold chisel to remove.  Other ones, no problem.
Mike

[cappra]

Sometimes you have to really pound on the stem!  Use a big block of wood and wail on that baby with a big hammer.

[mx250]

Thanks guys, it's out. I just needed reassurance. The one on the VB goes in and out effortlessly. I thought I was doing something wrong. I couldn't imagine it being a press fit but needed to check. I don't think it was a rust issue just a very close tolerance - just good Spanish engineering .