Keep in mind that the CT is wider than an equal number size moto tire. It sits on the rim beads differently as well. I wanted you to know which tire in the 175 size is better, if you decided to use that size. Not knowing the details of your bike, I don't know where clearance issues are. Some bikes have clearance issues at the inside corners of the swing arm. Check out the diameters of the tires and sizes you are interested in. Compare those to the moto tire size you normally use. Note the widths on a 6" wheel as well, comparing to the space you have. It won't be an exact thing, you won't know for sure until you try it and find out. You're breaking new ground with the VFR1200.
I'm not saying the 175 would be "better" than the 205 width. 205s are easier to find in a wider selection of types. I preferred an all season rated tire in the 400 or so tread wear rating. That gave me around 40k of tread life for my riding style on the FJR. I'm just saying consider both sizes for your bike and choose what you feel will work best. What I did at the beginning of this experiment is to buy a used tire in the size I chose and mount that up for a real world test fit. Cheap tire, low cost if it was a failure or simply wouldn't fit. Turned out to fit, tire was shit, but proved the concept so I bought a better tire and ran that for 36k before changing it out a little early do to an upcoming trip.
I personally would not run a 195/45 tire. The reason is that the 45 means a lower profile tire, less rubber between the wheel and the road, (I.E. shorter sidewall), so less ability to flex as you lean. 205/50 is more common and offers better, more bike like, lean feel. I started with the 205 width because it was the narrowest common size available. On the FJR, it had several results, including making the speedo read accurately, though the odo was then slightly off. Speedo read low on moto tires on the FJR.
The 175 has only just become available. It's still wider than a 180/55-17 moto tire when it's sitting on a moto wheel. Not sure about your 190/55 size.
If you're getting less than 5k out of Sport Touring tires like the Michelin PR series, some of that is in the wrist too.
I just got 10k miles from a Pirelli Angel GT. You should be able to match that mileage with the VFR or do better. Pilot Road 5 or PR 5 GT should do well also. Metzeler Tourance NEXT was another good performer on the FJR.
Just like bike tires, CTs have different feel and handling characteristics too.
