Excessive engine breaking? Sticky brakes?

[philshaq]

I'd say it sounds normal. The couple of bikes I learned on to start with had pretty low compression and little engine braking, then the ER6-n I got on had a fair bit, the fazer has even more. If you're bothered about cars coming up behind you I'd just lightly squeeze the brake lever, the light will come on before the brakes actually do any braking. That should keep the car drivers at bay.
Phil