Looking at pic 2 I think I can see one of the oil O rings on the push rod. If memory serves there is a second O ring which may be the cause of the rod not coming out. So grip the rod firmly and pull with some vigour and it will come out. The O rings should be inspected, and replaced if they look worn or have damaged edges. As for the white powder thats good old aluminium oxide, giving them a WD40 bath is OK, but on re-assembly use some copper slip on the allen bolts. Also the push rod should have a light coating of LM grease. As for the slipper clutch, it is probably a ramp and ball type which depending on use may well mean that you'll be taking the clutch apart at least twice a year to grease the ramps. Enjoy
If I remember rightly, to cold to go back to the garage, the part in pic 2 you mention is where the rod changes diameter. The bike also has a Oberon clutch slave. I read somewhere that on some slipper clutches the push rod is changed as it needs to be a different length so it may not be standard.
To work smoothly the ramps need greasing, your clutch has six ramps with ball bearings that ride up them. Steve
Ok, I thought grease and Dry Clutch were a bad combo. Where about are these puppies going to be hiding?
The center hub rides on the ball bearings and ramps, the spider spring behind that big nut allows the hub to ride the ramps and move out by a few mm disengaging the clutch. Steve
The push rod should pull through, it has two O rings on it. It should pull out of the bearing in the preasure plate as well. The end that goes into the preasure plate has a top hat shaped bush that is also removable. Steve
Found this: 1098 slipper clutch install - ducati.org forum | the home for ducati owners and enthusiasts Couldn't just be a standard one could it!
No 4 in that diagram is the bush that fits on the end of the push rod and into the preasure plate bearing. Steve
The push rod has 2 x 0-rings they have to pass through the small oil seal at the end of the shaft, put some grease or oil on the push rod and work it in and out to lube the little oil seal and it should pull out ok. The push rod is stuck in the top hat/bush that fits into the clutch release bearing the small hole in the middle of it you can spray wd40 or oil in then use a small pin punch to tap the pushrod out. brian.