Learning to corner

[Water Warrior 2]

For sure an ill running bike would mess with your confidence when cornering. A low speed 90 degree corner would be very frightening if the engine even had a hiccup at the wrong moment.
Please allow me to correct a habit you have. You stated shifting your weight from one foot to the other while stopped. Your weight should be on your left foot with the right foot on the brake. If you get bumped from behind you have less chance of going down with just rear brake applied. Both hands should be in a go position just in case you have to get out of Dodge in a hurry. This is taught in riding lessons for good reason.