Thanks for the back up Cal. Although perfect your way might move the swap more into the 2500$ range with the adjustable offset trees!
Actually, your numbers are a tad high, but your referral to CognitoMoto is dead solid perfect.
The standard 'upper and lower clamps' they sell that are non-adjustable are in the correct offset for a CB550 if i kept a 17in rim?
I didnt see a stem mentioned on their site for a CB550 so I assume that I would use the GSXR stem with Cognito upper and lower tree clamps and the All Balls Tapered bearings, then I would be pretty much set (minus the fecking wheel)?
They offer an "adjustable offset" set of triple trees to allow you tune the geometry from GSXR towards SOHC.
http://cognitomoto.com/collections/cognito-moto-originals/products/gsxr-adjustable-offset-triple-tree-conversion-45mm-50mm-55mm-60mmThe stock "top clamps" shown are simply for cosmetic swaps maintaining GSXR offsets. For the stems, the best way is to press out the GSXR stem from the GSXR lower clamp (which you don't have) and press in a replacement from CM. The GSXR stem is of a different length, and the All Ballz bearings won't address that fitment. The 550/750 stems differ in length of about .780 in my experience and that space is above the steering neck.
I'm a huge fan of the GSXR swap on these bikes. But I urge you to think through your instrumentation (gauges, controls and info lights) and handlebars
before you make a decision on triple trees. Many/most opt for clip-ons with this conversion, but that should be accompanied by rearsets foot controls. The forward posture of clip-ons will be very uncomfortable without rotating your hips and thighs back to compensate.
Bars on GSXR front ends is my personal choice. Super bike bars with rearsets is an awesome combo. But bars create a challenge if you choose a top clamp from CM that uses the milled in MotoG Mini gauge and lights; you can't see them clearly. So an analog or electronic gauge is better suited. But mounting/attaching it to the top clamp needs to be dealt with. CM does now offer some top clamps with these mounting holes already drilled and tapped, so think about those issues.
Tank clearance is another issue. The steering stop on the stock CB neck doesn't prevent the GSXR forks from contacting the tank under lock-to-lock steering. Altering the lower clamp with an added spacer on the steering lock is needed to protect your bodywork and body under stressed steering. The GSXR has less offset, so the tubes are closer and they're much larger in diameter to begin with. You'll discover this as you mock up the bike.
If you are new to building bikes, and you want the best outcome for this project (which from the sound of it is not a simple "dust and clean her up") then you'd be very well-advised to buy as many items from CM as your budget will tolerate. Simply because all these "issues" have been thought through, dealt with, and solved. Unless you have access to mills, lathes and welders at the ready, and have decent experience in Mechanical Engineering, you'll spend more piece by piece than you will buying a "system" of engineering parts designed to work together to allow nascent builders to achieve great results.
This is
my opinion and please don't interpret anything I've written as patronizing or demeaning. It it not intended as such, but is intended to help you look further down the project to avoid numerous pitfalls experienced by others.