Plan Ahead .......
(Vintage Motorcycle is my second bike)
Sorry mate, not wishing to sound condersending but this is true, I have ridden some real poor stoppers in my time and have found a sound approach to riding is more hepful then any upgrades....have you tried doing a BIKE SAFE day?
What ever your level of skill or experience these days out with an advanced police biker will help you plan your route and approach to hazards better. I communte right through town as well and so know first hand the sh#t standard of driving you can encounter but riding to "the system" should help you plan your ride better, smoother riding = less need for panic breaking.
Either way I hope you find what you need.
Ride safe,
Dave