I got 5600 miles out of the OEM BT56, 5400 miles out of the BT020 that replaced it, and I've gotten around 6000 apiece out of the Michelin Macadams that followed those two. I have another Macadam on there now, and I'll be replacing it with an Avon ST-46. I've heard great things about the Avons regarding traction and longevity.
The Macadams work very well as long as it's > 50 degrees F out. Below that, you can get some scary slips in the corners when the tires get near the end of their lives.
I have an Avon ST-45 up front right now, and I *love* that tire. It kept me from falling on my head when I found some wet pavement in a corner on NY 30 in Long Lake, NY this past weekend (it had just started sprinkling, and had moved south just before I got to the corner).