I've dropped a tooth of the front sprocket on my last 3 996 engined bikes and it a big improvement. Throotle response is better in higher gears as well coming out of bends and top speed isn't affected
Common consensus is they are over geared as standard.
No problems with extra clutch wear etc, you know Ducati clutches last forever anyway
Technically its better for the chain to have say an extra 3 teeth on the rear sprocket but that invloves a longer chain and usually a QD sprocket carrier as well so a lot more expensive than just a front sprocket
[Edited on 17-3-2006 by BDG]