True that modern chains are sealed and internally lubricated, so the insides of the rollers where they run on the pins do not need further lubrication. However the outsides of the rollers run on the sprocket teeth (or more precisely the gaps between the teeth) and they need at least a little lubrication - hence the use of chain spray. As for using no lube at all; well it's your choice but I think you are pushing your luck a little.
Why would I put my fingers in the chain or sprockets? 26 years in heavy tracked kit with big engines, big belts and 2500ftlb + of torque has made sure I watch what I'm doing!!
The fella whom brought my XR had a multi and I noticed he had a finger missing, when we got talking he told me how he came to lose the finger ! 1st gear engine running cleaning the chain with a rag it snagged the rag and took his finger off [emoji33]
j +1 on the moving chain bit, my mate lost the tip of his index finger whilst lubing the chain in 1st gear.
Farmers quite often get 'caught up' in machinary they have been using for years & years. Which is why farmers & farm workers are allowed to carry large knifes; too cut their own limbs off & save there life. People have spasms & attacks totally out of the blue, people get into narrow-boating & often end up been killed because of rope going overboard whilst they are running the engine moored up & in so join the propeller!
Spraying from 6"away is not quite the same as holding a rag on the chain. I wouldn't do either as I'm a clumsy mo fo.
I spray with chain lube and one of those plastic straws to aim it and lube the inside of the chain. I also put a piece of card between the chain and wheel to catch overspray. Need to find a Parafin supplier to clean it though.
Same as me, bit of cardboard keeps tyre nice and not lubed. My local DIY shop did paraffin, could not find in BnQ etc.
Paraffin can usually be found in garden centres or the garden centre section of B&Q/Homebase. I think Origin of the Species has a section regarding running the bike and lubing the chain...:Nailbiting:
No - works great. Been doing this for quite a while after learning from others who have put many tens of thousands of miles on their chains using this method. My experience has been great chain life and a clean bike (no splatter and no build up of oil/lube or dirt). The idea is that dirt is the killer of sealed chains, so use WD-40 (someone else mentioned using oil on a rag) to keep the chain clean. I'm not the easiest on chains , and I've been very pleased with this method and the life I get our of my chains (on both my CBR954 and my Multistrada).
