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I've been making a lot of lists and trying to figure out what codex I want to use for my Space Marines for a while now. I've tried an all-jumper BA list and wasn't pleased with the fundamental lack of shooting that such lists offer. Poking around, I discovered Kirby's "Blood Rodeo" list, and it got me thinking.

I've always disliked bikes. They don't make a lot of sense to me from a fluff perspective. How do you assault on a bike? Why would you bother with them when you have land speeders and jump packs? Don't you run the risk of having to name your army Hell's Angels?

However, compared to the monstrosity of stupidity that is Thunderwolf Cavalry, it's hard to really claim they're all that dumb. Also, going with a BA force that includes bikes would allow me to, with a little expansion, run an all-biker C:SM list, which I guess could be kind of cool.

So, the questions!

How effective are bikes in general? I've really only played against them once, and it was just a small unit. What are they good at? What do they suck at? What role do they perform?

What are the general tactics for running them? Squad size, loadout, etc.

How effective, specifically, are all-biker lists? What do they do well? What do they struggle with?

How effective, specifically, are bikes limited to FA slots?

Vanilla SM can use bikes as troops if they take a captain on a bike.

Bikes are highly mobile fire support but die easily if they get bogged down in CC.

I personally like them but the models aren't great & the tactics take getting used to.

Check out this list, it might give you some ideas though I like it better when it's done with dual autocannon dreds.
http://yesthetruthhurts.com/2009/07/space-marines-fast-n-slow/

Bike lists are really mobile. They can bring a relatively large amount of firepower (meltaguns, plasmaguns, attack bikes bringing HB/MM) on a very fast platform. They do have the problem of not being great at any one thing. They are ok in combat, but can't go toe to toe with dedicated assault units. They are ok in shooting, but are only armed with bolt pistols, and don't have a great amount of variety.

I think all-bike armies suffer from these problems. I see bikes as a good support option, but not as an all army technique. But thats just my opinion.