HRX 217 Hard to Maneuver and Turn

I just acquired a Honda HRX 217 K2 21" (circa 2010), and after using a Toro "walk behind" Recycler, I find the Honda difficult to control. How do others make turns to mow the next row in the other direction ? I can first disengage the clutch handle or reduce the wheel speed way down ... but that's a pain each time. I also find the Honda difficult to get around bushes, flowers, trees, etc. ... again it's hard to slow down and turn. Thanks.