Originally I also believed that removing the inner sleeve was the next logical step. But the OD of the inner sleeve is 20mm and close to 2mm thick on each side. If the sleeve was removed the rubber bushing would have an inner diameter of 20mm which will then be TOO LARGE for the shock post at 17.5mm. Bushing is too small with the inner metal sleeve and will be too large with the inner metal sleeve removed.
Reusing the old Honda stock bushings will not work. Inner diameter is perfect but the outer diameter is only 23mm and will be too small for the outer diameter of the KONI shocks eye which is 26mm.