Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

I recently put together 20 bikes that I had gotten in the mail and decided I should do some Math hammer to break down their effectiveness. . . Sorry if it doesn't format right I usually write these up in MS Works. . .

How Tough are Bikes Compared to Space Marines and Terminators, using a normal shot from the weapon in question. . .

                                    Bikers         Marines   Terminators

Single Bolter Shots:   0.07             0.10          0.05

Heavy Bolter:            0.33             0.43          0.21

Assault Cannon:       1.09/0.64      1.20          0.70

Single Plasma Shot: 0.55/0.18      0.55          0.36

Las-Cannon*:          0.55/0.18      0.55          0.36

Melta-Gun*:           0.55/0.18       0.55          0.36

Krak Missile*:       0.55/0.18       0.55          0.09

* Instant Kill Weapons

/ Turbo Boost Saves

How effective are their weapons against MEQ, including the special weapons usually used all in one volley as normal, and anything of interest tactically. . .

Bike Squadron at 12 Inches

3.08 MEQ Kills                280 points = 1.1

3x Twin Linked Bolter:       0.88

2x Melta Gun*:                  1.10

Multi-Melta*:                     0.55

Plasma Pistol:                     0.55/2.78

Can move across the board very fast, and has very good anti-vehicle skills.

Tactical Squad at 24 Inches

1.53 MEQ Kills               115 points = 1.33

4x Bolter:                         0.43

Plasma Gun:                     0.55 hits

Las-Cannon*:                  0.55 hits

This Squad has one additional model, and has a better maximum range and can destroy large vehicles easily, but it is extremely limited in movement.

Terminator Squad at 24 inches

3.06 MEQ Kills             240 points = 1.28

3x Storm Bolter:              0.66

2x Assault Cannon:          2.40

This squad has a very good armor save and is the most effective of these units in hand to hand, however it has issues with moving across the board.

It should be noted however that the Bikes could have been more efficient at shooting than shown but the plasma pistol, power sword, and Terminator Honors, allows them to do much better in the assault phase they are likely to be put in do to closing to such a short range. . .

(I would also add a Chaplain on a bike to the bike squad, to make them fearless, and give them a much better chance to win the assault phase, a Librarian would work nearly as well especially with FOTD)

Edited: I posted the wrong point cost for the Terminators, 240 not 280, and this adjusted their point value. . .

Edited: I just corrected the percentage for the krak missile to kill a terminator. . .

Nice rendered statistics you've done here citadel! Maybe pt for pt, Bikes are not as efficient in the shooting phase than min/maxed LasPlas or twin AC Termies, but they've got definately the edge in mobility. Plus, considering the upcoming shemanigans from revitalized Crisis Suits and such, Bikes might come in useful. Failing that, at least they're a blast to play with!

But is it wise to give Plasma Pistols to the Vet Sarges? 1 overheat and there goes a 50 pts fig down the drain...
Also, Chappy will remain much more efficient in assault squads, as they've got a lot more Ats for him to reroll. Plus, considering the Bikes superb withdraw speed, Fearlessness might crimp their effectiveness a bit. A Libby would be much better IMO, because of FoD and either Might or Fury for additionnal mayhem.

The biggest thing is that the efficacy of SM Bikers depends greatly on their maneuverability, which is extremely difficult to quantify.

Just a note-You have a lascannon and a krak missile having the same chance to kill a termie. Krak missile doesn't ignore a termie's save.

Also, why do you list "instant-kill" weapons as something special? Unless we're talking multi-wound ICs, it doesn't matter... and the "instant-kill" status doesn't change their saves.