ride in whatever gear you feel the most confident in being able to control the bike right now. if that means 3 or 4 around the neighborhood, fine.
yes, coming down to a stop in 2nd is okay... I just pull in the clutch, apply the brakes and coast to a stop as the speeds decline. I
only shift back into first when at a stop and watch the neutral light flash to confirm I'm passing between 2nd and first to be
sure I'm really putting it into first and won't be trying to start off in a higher gear. yes, it's happened.
