3500 miles on a BT56 your riding pretty hard.
Seen riders wear out every last bit from their rear tire. Waiting to see exposed cords. Exposed cords a sure sign to replace the tire.
I noticed wear bars inside the treads similar to car tires. But motorcycle tires aren't flat across entire surface on the ground. So a wear bar could indicate alot of tread but the center tread is worn out. Their not best indicator to change out the tire. But if the wear bar is worn even with the surface, it'd be prudent changing the tire.
For wet conditions, Winter or Summer Storm. Tires should be is best condition possible.
Worn tires get flats easier, due to thinner tire thickness.
Parts411 others recommend does have best prices. Like yourself I'm looking to get better mileage from the rear tire. No experience with them, But narrowed it down to Perilli Diablo Strata or Metzler Road Tech Z6. Leaning toward the Diablo Starta cause had get experience with the Diablo Supersport tire. The only thing the widest the strata goes is a 180. It'll turn better with smaller profile. 190 looks better, more center tread contact.
It tried BT20 and it gets a hell ova squared off. The Diablo ran a square off, but very little. Figure the Strata will likely do the same, Minimal squaring as it wears.
