I have an 08 530 exc. At 11,000km (220hrs) the valves were checked and all was in spec. Leak down test @ 95%. It was done by a dealer and I dropped it off EXPECTING it needed the valves adjusted at least.
From a maintenance perspective it does get reasonably frequent oil change, but not much more frequent than my old XR650l. By the same token the 530 NEVER goes long distances on pavement, and is of course liquid cooled.
My perspective - if you want to go orange buy the 690. I would be better off with the 690 myself. I like to explore, spend the day riding around. Wheelies, power slides, looking around, goofing around and generally having fun. This does include a decent amount of single track but it doesn't need to be at race speeds (anymore), and if I get tired I need to remind myself to either stop and rest or head for the wider stuff and plonk along.