Just wanted to put this update out there.
I attempted to mount Michelin Road Classics on my 1981 R65 snowflakes, to replace the worn set of lastertec's (front and rear) that were on there.
While the Rear Michelin Road Classic mounted and balanced just fine (4.00B18 64H TL), the front would not seat the bead (100/90-18 56H TL) after repeated attempts over 3 days by my mechanic, and over the following weekend by myself.
Applied all the usual tricks - setting out in sun, warmed up to 140º+-, generous lube, even WD-40. No joy.
Thinking the tire may be suspect, or the bead might be damaged, the supplier generously provided an exact replacement tire upon my asking.
The 2nd Michelin Road Classic 100/90-18 56H TL wouldn't seat either. Even blew the tube out at 90psi attempting to seat it repeatedly.
Now, on my own dime, I've ordered in a Metzeler Roadtec 01 100/90-18 for the front, in hopes that it will mount and seat successfully like the old Metzeler Lasertec did. I'll report in what happens as soon as it does.
(While I should have ordered in a new Lastertec front to truly determine whether its a tire or wheel problem since I know that tire mounted fine in the past, I wanted to try to leave the Michelin Road Classic rear mounted ($$), since it installed just fine, and the Roadtec 01 has a similar profile and is also a radial like the Michelin, as opposed to the lastertec being bias-ply)
Thoughts?