[CaptainSlow]

Sounds simple, but it took me a long time to realize you can just hit the brake when in a gear (you don't have to downshift). Not that I didn't KNOW that, it just doesn't feel intuitive at first.

Slowing down into a corner - downshift before the corner and take the corner in the lower gear or just use the brake in the gear you're in. 5th to 2nd is a pretty big distance. Why not try 5th to 3rd? Won't be as hard on the transmission, won't be as jerky, and will still be low enough to accelerate smoothly out of the corner.

Reverse - riding is OK for short distances. If you have to back up a long way (like a long driveway), just fully engage reverse and use the brake lightly to regulate speed.