Honda's service recommendations are:

20000 kilometers for the top end
30000 kilometers for the crank

If your using the bike for track days, and running it near redline all the time, you will want to do the top end more often then that. I found that in race/track conditions I got about 10-12 weekends out of the top end before it started to feel down on power.

Doing a top end prior to the piston/rings failing is a good idea. Could save you money when it comes to cylinders. Don't wait till the top end fails.

If the cylinders are in good conidtion, you don't need to worry about replating them. That is unless they are out of spec (check the bore against factory spec).

A top end (normal, without heads and cylinders) can be done for about $250.00 (US) if you do the work yourself. While your in there, pull the flapper valves, clean them up good so there is no carbon on them. Also clean all the carbon build up out of the exhaust ports, and the exhaust pipes. This will really improve the power. Adjust the flapper valves when everything is back together.

All this information can be found here in the workshop section. You don't really need any special tools, except for a good torque wrench. Don't go by feel, a torque wrench is the best investment you can make!

Thanks,
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Charles Gallant