[Nox]

I've picked up some old bikes (actually pieces of old bikes) and among the bits are two melta torsos and two plasma torsos; so I figured I would see what the rest of you thought was effective before I glue them together.

[Apollo]

Overall, I'd personally suggest dual plasma. Combined with relentless, they can pack quite a punch. If you use them aggressively, with a power weapon sergeant, the initial impact should be quite high. On the other hand, if you're looking to keep them at range, Plasma Guns can go well with either form of attack bike - a moderate strength for vehicle hunting, or effective anti-infantry.

However, you might also want to look into a couple of meltas, and possibly Multi-Melta attack bike if you're looking for tank hunting.

[warriorchris]

If you are wanting all comers squad... Definately plasmas... They can deal with heavy infantry, easily kill light infantry and even pop light tanks and vehicles... Keep them on the move thanks to relentless and use them as a mobile fire base.

You can't go wrong!

[wererat]

While I agree that plasmas are great for any situation, you need to be careful of them. In other words, use them when they count. Example would be shooting at something with a low armour save, it would be better to use the twin linked bolter as it goes through armour anyways and is much safer. Because it's twin linked you have similar odds of wounding with one shot bolter than one shot plasma on, say, a toughness four model.

Also if a unit is in cover, don't waste a plasma round as the opponent gets a good cover save against it.

That being said, plenty of opportunities to do it right. ex: high tougness models, high amour saves (termies) and, as mentioned, low armour vehicles

[HijiriOni]

Personally I avoid regular bikes all together. Firepower output vs wounds and cost Attack Bikes are typically better.

[Anubis]

Originally Posted by wererat

Because it's twin linked you have similar odds of wounding with one shot bolter than one shot plasma on, say, a toughness four model.

Depends if you are in rapid fire range for the plasma. Of course you have the gets hot problem to deal with sometimes.

[Nox]

Originally Posted by HijiriOni

Personally I avoid regular bikes all together. Firepower output vs wounds and cost Attack Bikes are typically better.

That's true but with vanilla marines bikes can be troops and attack bikes cannot.

[Nailo]

I have always felt that melta is just safer. With the points you pay for the bikes, every loss counts, and losing even one to gets hot might bite you. With bikes, if you want the big shot shoot the melta if you don't need it, then you always have the twin-link to go back on.

[Droids_Rule]

I would base it on the rest of your army list. Bike Squads are excellent units, very durable and mobile gun platforms. Do you need more anti-tank? Go with the meltas. Heavy infantry/well-rounded? Plasma! And don't forget an Attack Bike - a Multi-melta mounted on a bike is too good to pass up.

[HijiriOni]

The coolest fact about about an attack bike in a regular squad is that itll survive a plasma shot with its 2 wounds so you can perserve a bike and its the only multiwound model in the squad so you dont have to put any wounds on it unless forced too.