The bags are from Harley, I forget what they're called. Messenger bags maybe? I made my own mounts which are essentially two bolts so yes, they come off easy. I actually got them from ebay. The downside of these bags is it is very easy to not realize they are not latched. I have lost several gloves and other things because I forgot they were not latched and realized it 5 minutes down the road

At the moment I have aluminum paniers which are a little harder to remove because they require mounts to support them. This thread in my blog details how I installed the paniers along with other prep work I did on my bike last year to get ready to ride in the Hoka Hey. They were necessary because I could not run my aux fuel tank and needed to carry larger stuff like a tent and cot.

 

True, but HD really did a half-*** job with the XL1200T. I considered buying one until I test drove it. The windshield was designed to push the wind directly into your face. The pegs were situated in an awkward spot. There was a bunch of other stuff I hated. I had the bike all day and I never felt comfortable on it.

So I see the need to build your own XL1200T.

 

Exactly what I did with my 883 Super Low. Screaming Eagle 1200 kit, changed the crank gear and primary chain to a 1200, and believe it or not my year came with a different size back tire between the 883L ant 1200T. I'm running the taller 1200 back tire.

 

I just figured the taller back tire thing out when I was flipping thru my owners manual. They list the specs for every Sportster of that year. Not a surprise I hated the stock gearing. It had two negatives going for it.