Scooterotica

Do you need the dowel on the bottom of the cylinder and if not what would the best way of removing it ?

Why do you need to remove it?
I imagine its there to help align/position the cylinder possibly when studs not in.
Helpful when studs removed to get cylinder back on when motor in bike
As you can do the above leaving one stud in (top left), it's easy enough to align the barrel I can't see why you would need it.
If I were removing it I'd first try a bit of heat and some grips, next drill out/ extractor.