nx650 barrel stuck, advise/experience welcomed

[pikey666]

I have a nx650 that ran low on oil and now has a knock and is a little smokey.

I am trying to remove the barrel so I can check the piston rings, bore etc. I have removed the head bolts and smaller side bolts at which point the honda service manual say simply lift the barrel off.

Not a hope of that, I have tried some gentle persuasion with a rubber mallet but still no movement.

Do I need to heat the gasket area to loosen it and if so would a hot air gun suffice or should I get a blowtorch?

Cheers