Which of the following is essential for maintaining control while cornering?

Maintaining control while cornering on a motorcycle is fundamentally about managing speed and the bike's angle relative to the turn. Reducing speed and leaning into the turn allows for a smoother and more controlled maneuver. Slowing down before entering a corner decreases the centrifugal force acting on the motorcycle, permitting the rider to navigate the turn without losing traction or stability. Leaning into the turn is essential as it helps align the motorcycle's center of gravity with the bike's trajectory, ensuring that the tires maintain contact with the road. This combination is crucial for executing turns safely and effectively.

In contrast, riding straight without adjusting speed does not provide any necessary control adjustments for navigating a curve, which can lead to an abrupt or uncontrolled turn. Accelerating through every turn can increase the risk of losing traction, especially if the speed exceeds what the road and conditions can handle. Lastly, braking hard before entering a turn can shift weight forward and unsettle the motorcycle, making it harder to control the bike during the actual cornering process. Thus, the approach of reducing speed and leaning into the turn is essential for optimal cornering control.