My Avon 's seperating/failing!!/????

[markpenn1]

I bought a Avon Cobra 180/70/16 rear tire for my 2006 Nomad last August as many of you said was a good way to go. I have only put 2,299 miles on it since then.[weather!] last week performed the swingarm and driveshaft maint.. thing. All has gone smooth; thanks to this forum, until I went to install wheel/tire. As I cleaning wheel and lube spline drive; etc.. and wrestling around with it; I noticed the center of the tire and about 3" wide; ALL the way around the tire, has a raised and not even profile. Almost looks like Avon has put a wear band that they inlayed while manufacturing and you can see it ?? My front tire was also a Cobra and has no such look.
The shop where I bought has always been a stand up place and is closed on Monday; so will be taking it back for their viewing tomorrow. Will get it replaced and hopefully will get it warranted without any hassles from Avon.
Reason for this thread; have any of you seen or experienced this before? Always helps in warranty issues if there has been other problems and warranty rep.. starts the old tap dance it's ok/denial thing..if you know what I mean...heck the weather here is primo right now for riding and don't want my scooter laid up waiting for a tire warranty debacle. Thanks in advance!!