It is essentially heavy grease dissolved in kerosene. It makes a good cleaner for bare metal parts because unlike soap or de-greaser, it won't strip all of the

It is essentially heavy grease dissolved in kerosene. It makes a good cleaner for bare metal parts because unlike soap or de-greaser, it won't strip all of the existing grease off. But the thin layer of grease left behind also doesn't last long, and then you're back to bare metal. With that disclaimer, I frequently use it as a chain lubricant for mountain bikes. You have to reapply it basically after every ride, but you're going to want to do that anyway when your chain gets covered in mud and dirt. On road bikes and motorcycles I always use a dry wax lube that lasts much longer but is difficult to clean off.