A better mousetrap needed

Unless you can raise the filter above the oil tank, so that it drains, you are not going to get your wish. Many of the Japanese engines had the filter at the front of the crankcase and just above the sump which helped a great deal to minimalise the spillage.

This does not really help with a Commando..........or even a 961 if you happen to own one. I have one of those chain type straps with a short 7" arm. This was good enough to make a partial turn which was generally enough to then allow a hand removal of the filter.

A few years ago, I met a Commando owner who had dumped his battery and other electrics in favour of a Power Box. The space in the battery compartment was then used to mount the oil filter. This appeared to work very well in terms of ease of changing the filter without bashing knuckles and getting oil soaked fingers. However, the messy job of draining the crankcases remained.

At an autojumble visit a couple of years agopicked upa much better tool than the strap wrench for the initial loosening of the Commando oil cartridge.Basically just a verylarge pair of pliers with jaws shaped to grip the cartridge firmly all the way round. Works just fine with enough room to manoeuvre the tool around the cartridge for comfort andmaximum purchase - using both hands on the tool. Loosen sufficiently for hand only removal -but then of course it's still the plastic bowl and rag to clean up !

There are filters with a hex welded to the base so you can undo with a spanner.

If you look on Ebay you can get a tool a lit like a large socket that fits on the flats on the end of the filter. Use it with a normal half inch drive ratchet an its just like undoing a bolt.

Not sure where you live but our local DIY stores sell rubber strap tools for undoing stuff like this, jam jar lids etc. They fit in the filter area easily. Lots cheaper on ebay but here's the B&Q item.... http://www.diy.com/hand-tools/bq-strap-wrench/189090_BQ.prd

As far as the tank drain is concerned; yes, that needs work. I use a piece of cereal box and chuck it after draining. The bike has also got to be leant over well to the right to empty all out. Additionally, the tank should be removed each time and all the crap flushed out.... its only every 9 months or so for my 3500 miles a year.