Cheers boys - managed to strip the gear lever this morning - removed the 2 x spring clips, unscrewed the bolt holding the gear lever and prised out the casing - obvious signs of salt in there so cleaned out, greased and all back together in 20mins - right as a clock as we say up here
No result today boys - got busy at work and then stuck in the bathroom sticking tiles on (Thank God for that 'No nails' stuff ).
'Bike booked in for 30k service Monday by which time I think a bit of the old duck oil will have been busy on the linkage - will keep you up to date.
Thanks to all for your input by the way