So, I think I've watched every single YT vid with tips, cheats, secret codes, etc. on how to make changing your tire easier. I am here to tell you... I finally found one that worked. Those of you who have read my previous accounts of various mechanical... excursions, know that if it is supposed to take an hour, I'm likely to be struggling for at least a solid day or more!

That being said, I switched out both my tires today with little to no hassle and, perhaps more importantly, almost no cursing! Old tires were Dunlop Q3+'s with about 4800 miles on 'em. They were my second set and they've been a great tire for me but I had realized that I wasn't using them anywhere near their potential, especially since track days are on hold through June in my area. After searching, reading, and watching a mind numbing number of reviews, I settled on a set of Michelin Power 2CT's. The price was very nice and enough people had positive things to say re: using them at the track so I figured I'd give 'em a shot.

Today's weather was just a touch over 60 and cloudy, so no chance of the sun getting the tires hot and flexible. Good thing I saved the hair dryer that was no longer meeting my wife's needs! Put it on the hot and low setting inside the new tire while I spooned the old one off. Both front and rear came off with no issues. Now, you may want to sit down as it's time for THE SUPER TIP: I took a shop rag, sprayed some 303 Aerospace Protectant on it and ran it around the bead of the new tires. I continued to let each tire heat up for about 10 minutes before putting it on the rim. You know how you get right to the end of the process and the spoon slips or you can't find the right position or leverage to get that last, tiny bit of tire over the rim? I was pleasantly shocked when I thought I was reaching that point and the bead just effortlessly (and I really mean that!) slipped right over and BAM, it was on! Unreal and I'd be skeptical if I hadn't been doing it myself!

Now, I'm just hoping that the protectant doesn't cause the tire to slip on the rim! 😱

If I get any issues, I'll definitely report back but for now I'm calling it a borderline miracle! 🤣

 

Awesome write up and tips. Thanks for sharing.

 

No problem! Nice to be able to contribute a bit to the vast mountain of knowledge already laid down...

 

I got me some 2CT's recently too. May not be the best performance tires according to what some say but definitely is best bang for your buck, I feel that you get 90% of performance for 50% of the price tag. Still need to get them put on my rims.

Always wished I could change tires at home. It would save so much hassle. I tried changing my own tires at home a few years back. One tire on successfully, and one ripped bead. That makes for a 50% success rate, LOL. Maybe your 303 aerospace tip is just what I need ? The only concern I'd have would be same as yours, tires slipping. Let us know how it works for you long term!!!

Funny about your wife's hair dryer. I have my very best hair dryer in the garage, and the crap one in the bathroom. Hahaha

 

Update request granted! Between yesterday and today, put about 150 miles on 'em with zero sense of slippage, either between tire and rim nor tire and pavement. Took the first 15-20 miles pretty easy but I quickly noticed that these guys LOVE to lean. As I progressed through my favorite 30 mile loop of twisty turns, I increased my pace without issue, finishing at about 80% of my most vigorous riding (see qualifier below). Today, I kept the same pace but waited longer to turn in, hitting steeper lean angles, and not feeling the need to do as much trail braking at those speeds. Gotta say I love them so far!

As for changing your own, this was my fourth such experience and, by far, the easiest. I always end up wishing (i.e. cursing loudly and creatively) that I had just one more arm when that last bit of bead is taunting me! I was in shock when it just slipped right over with the back tire and almost cried with relief when it did the same on the front. I always forget that the front is harder to get... That 303 really is great stuff when used correctly and, yeah, the tires seem to be a great bang for the buck so far!

Qualifier: I know riding style is so subjective and most sport bike riders think they can tear up the twisties. I'm not quite that good but would rate myself in the "Advanced Beginner" or "Newb Intermediate" level...

 

Wow, FASTEST update ever!
Nice dude, glad to hear you're enjoying them without issues so far. I've run 2CT's for years now and they've been solid thru twisties and rain. They definitely like to FLICK into the corners!!! The only downside I've personally felt with 2CT's, is it definitely doesn't hold heat quite as good.
And yup the front tire is the one I ripped those many years ago. I woulda thought a smaller tire would been easier but nope. I really feel your description of trying to get that last bit of bead on. How much aerospace protectant did you put on the bead? just a thin coat from the towel?

 

Heh! When several days go by without riding, I get antsy. My rear was down to being smooth, so I was staying close to home and doing a lot of low speed parking lot work. I was pumped to get the new tires on and try them out!

So you mention them not holding heat and I recall that a few reviewers mentioned that being an issue on the track. What does that feel like? Other than the stock tires on my 300, I've never felt anything other than complete "stick to the pavement" from all my tires.

Yes, just sprayed a cloth, ran it around the bead a couple of times to make sure it was all lightly coated, stuck the hairdryer on it for 5-10, and on it went! If you wanted to give it go, but didn't want to risk ruining a brand new tire, you could try it on the tire you are changing out, i.e. unseat both beads, pull the first bead over the rim, run the 303 around it, and then see how easy it goes back over the rim...

Oh, the other thing I noticed is that I only needed about half the air pressure to beads to seat.

 

That's a great idea, trying it on my old tires. Hadn't thought of that. I've got a spare rim too so it wouldn't stop me riding in the meanwhile.

I'm not sure what those other reviewers meant or if they meant the same thing as me as I've never been on track. What I meant was that they cool down pretty fast. So, if I take a few minute break say. I have to warm them up again to temp longer before they've warmed up for optimum grip. If you've felt the difference between running a cold tire and a warm tire you'll know what I mean. Also they never seem to get as warm either but that may be due to my riding style (I have a bad habit of coasting between corners) Obviously all tires cool down but forsure the 2CT's cool alot faster than other tires (I've tried Power3, Q3/Q4) You can test for yourself after you done some riding, feel the tire with your hand and then feel them again a couple min later. I hope that makes sense.

What kind of parking lot maneuvers have you been working on? I need some practice myself...

 

Okay, that makes sense! They said that the tire would feel "greasy" towards the end of the track day. Since I've only ever done one, I doubt I'm riding hard enough to be putting that much heat into 'em. As for cold handling, it's been just around 60 and cloudy here both days, so definitely not too warm. Interested to see if they feel different at a faster pace on a warmer day. If you have the opportunity to do a track day, you should! It is so liberating to not have to worry about traffic, speed limits, rocks, or those damn squirrels that always run the wrong way! lol.

Primarily trying to get comfortable leaning the bike more while trying to keep good body posture and head position. Also working on braking from various speeds and doing figure eights in as small a box as possible. Bought some cheap, low profile sport cones and have a nice school parking lot nearby that is empty every day...

 

I definitely want to do a track day but theres so much to think about and prep that its so overwhelming, I dont even know where to start lol. Concerned about passing inspections too. Sounds like you're way ahead of me with the basics tho, I am so bad with those low speed tight turns I should get my *** to the parking lot.
We have our version of those squirrels here, kinda look like chipmunks, little buggers like to wait until you're near and then dash out at you wheels. I've killed several myself. I think I read somewhere that they are trying to protect their nest from predators by distracting them. Dunno how true that is but it makes me real sad.
DAMN how we get from tires to squirrels...