If you must brake while turning and cannot straighten the motorcycle, what should you do?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of managing lean angle while maintaining control of the motorcycle. When you find yourself in a situation where you must brake during a turn, the key is to reduce the lean angle to increase stability. By applying the brakes more firmly than you would during a straight ride, you create a counteracting force that allows for a safer transition through the turn.

Maintaining balance is crucial, and braking harder helps to shift the weight of the bike, which can help in stabilizing the motorcycle as you navigate the curve. This technique allows you to control speed effectively while negotiating the turn.

The other options, while they may seem reasonable at first glance, do not prioritize maintaining control in the same way. Light braking could lead to loss of control, as it may not be sufficient to counteract the forces acting on the motorcycle during the lean. Accelerating in this scenario could exacerbate the situation by increasing your speed and lean angle, which might lead to a loss of traction. Observing the road while braking is important, but it doesn't address how to effectively manage the braking process itself during a turn. Thus, the correct approach is to brake harder to reduce your lean angle and enhance stability.