Funny, I just purchased a Honda HRX217(K6)vka mower and when I pull back on the mower, as long as you release the select speed control handle, it is very easy to do. As far as my speed control goes, I set the dial to just past MIN and it gives me all the speed that I need and with a slight release of the select speed control handle , it will slow down to the speed that I want until it stops completely. As far as cleaning the under side of the deck, there was no clean-up to do! You could count the blades of grass on the underside of the deck! It must be the polymer deck (NEXITE) instead of steel that Honda uses. I use a blower to clean off outside of engine and deck and then I lift the discharge guard, where you do get grass build-up, and blow out the grass clippings. Total time to clean mower about 1 minute. It's ALMOST enjoyable to mow my lawn and clean the mower now.:laughing: