what did you do with your fazer today ?

[nick crisp]

.
Dropping gears as you slow also maintains stability and means you are in the correct gear when you go to take off again, same applies to cornering.
If you follow a good rider through the bends on the road they never use their brakes unless they have to.

Agreed. Braking hard into corners loads the suspension, and then the bike needs a moment to settle before committing. Engine braking allows for a smoother corner entry if done correctly, and then you have more go on tap when you see the exit. In reality on the road, you'd probably use a bit of both.