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Erik Stephens, Director of eCommerce at BWI (parent company of brands like Twisted Throttle, DENALI Electronics and more), joins Momentum to share the evolution of rider-focused lighting products.

In this episode, host Heather Wilson Schiltz talks with Erik about how a small group buy for motorcycle accessories eventually grew into Twisted Throttle, how DENALI Electronics became a leading name in motorcycle lighting, and how the brands continue to focus on helping riders.

Erik explains how real-world rider experiences, near-misses and customer feedback influence product development, from forward lighting to side visibility and CANbus-controlled accessories. He also breaks down homologation, why some aftermarket lights can be dangerous when improperly designed or installed, and what riders should understand before upgrading their motorcycle lighting.

The conversation also explores the business side of scaling enthusiast brands, including international growth, localized marketing, distribution, fulfillment and the importance of listening directly to customers at events like the BMW MOA National Rally and Touratech Rally.

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• How Twisted Throttle started from a motorcycle accessory group buy
• How DENALI Electronics grew out of a need for better vehicle-specific lighting solutions
• Why rider safety is a major motivator behind DENALI product development
• The difference between seeing better and being seen by other drivers
• Why side and rear visibility are becoming bigger priorities for motorcyclists
• What homologation means and why street-legal lighting standards matter
• How CANbus technology changed motorcycle accessory installation
• Why real-world demonstrations help riders understand lighting performance
• What DENALI learns from customers at motorcycle rallies and events
• The challenges of scaling motorcycle and off-road brands internationally
• How rider needs differ between the U.S., Europe and Australia
• Practical starting points for riders who want to improve motorcycle visibility

📲 Connect with Erik Stephens via email

🌐 Learn more at DENALIelectronics.com

🌐 Learn more at VisionXOffRoad.com

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