Ok, I agree that Harley bikes in general, need much tinkering. I always thought they were crummy, until I rode a 1976 Superglide my buddy had.

To me, reapairs and chasing parts is half of the fun. That's why I put up with fixing my dads' bike, it's what he likes and I can help him realize his dream.

He owned a 1953 BMW, that he bought new. It was his dailty transportation for years, and it was reliable, like your 1972. The issues with BMW result because they are now old bikes. To be honest with you, a new 1972 BMW would be more reliable than a new 1972 AMF Harley.