Which action is important if you cannot straighten up to brake?

Maintaining brake pressure as the lean decreases is crucial when navigating a turn on a motorcycle. When you're leaned over, the motorcycle is in a dynamic state, and applying brakes can create instability. However, if you cannot straighten up to brake, it indicates that you're still engaged in the turn, meaning your bike's lean angle is essential for maintaining grip with the road.

As you continue to lean, the bike's tire may be less capable of handling the forces introduced by sudden braking. Therefore, you need to manage your braking pressure carefully. As the lean angle reduces—perhaps signaling that you're nearing the end of a turn or a tighter corner—you should gradually increase the brake pressure, rather than releasing it entirely. This technique helps maintain control and stability, allowing the tires to remain engaged with the pavement even as you adjust your path.

This approach allows you to slow down effectively while maximizing the available traction, as long as you carefully modulate the brake pressure according to the changing lean angle.