just buy a shitter and forget the clearances… or do the OMC. I did my own including a full service and it took around 7 hours (incl new tyres) max 140.00 in labour or get a discount card with prepaid hours…
[quote]
ChunkyMonkey (09/01/2012)
Well, firstly the fellas primary concern is ease of maintaining the valve train and IMO the CX range has to be the easiest bar Harleys and Buells with their hydraulic lifters.
Secondly, he said he wants a workhorse and there is no doubt these fall well and truly in this category.
Thirdly, only people who didn’t know how to ride them thought they were shite. Shaft drive and Torque Reaction takes some getting used to.:Whistling:
And finally, there are still a few low mileage examples knocking about if you are patient 
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1981-X-Honda-CX500-500cc-Commuter-Black-/320776254496?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item4aafc13420#ht_1043wt_1270[/quote]
Ignoring BMW boxers then? Probably about the same ease of top end access and servicing, while having the added bonus of not being ancient and shite. Ok, shite is a matter of opinion, and boxers do tend to divide opinions…
So when did you last ride a CX500? I fear rose tinted specs are clouding your judgement. Honestly though, it’s mad that anyone would recommend a CX500 for anything these days. 
The old buy a shitter and forget isn’t a bad idea. I did about 30,000 miles before I got around to checking the clearances on my first Africa Twin. They were a little tight, but not wildly out.
CX500 - good bikes, but I’d prefer something at least from this century 