As for making tire changing easier, and perhaps you are doing this already, get the tire warmed up as much as possible-- more flexible. In summer, lay it on black asphalt on a sunny day, helps a lot. In Indy this time of year, bring indoors and let it sit in the warmest place you can find.
When you put the wheel back on, the bottom bracket you bolt on will have a slight gap-- I believe the gap should go to the rear. I read on the forum here-- believe Hondaman came up with the reasoning. Check it out before trusting my memory.