Troops mounted on bikes excel at hit-and-run attacks. They are able to use their high speed to strike deep into enemy territory, complete their mission and escape before an enemy is able to react. A skilled commander will recognise the benefit of having bikes at his disposal, and is able to use them for advanced reconnaissance, as well as to outflank a slower enemy. Indeed, in open ground, bikes are easily capable of outrunning all but the fastest vehicles. Riding through heavy terrain can be somewhat dangerous however, but many riders take great pride in their superior driving skills and daring. These warriors are often regarded as dangerously hoi-headed risk-takers, but their effectiveness cannot be denied.

Bikes are treated like non-vehicle units rather than vehicles. However, in some respects they are treated slightly differently from other infantry troops. The exact changes are detailed below, divided between the different phases of the turn sequence.

Bikes can move up to 12" in the Movement phase instead of the normal 6" move. Bikes are not stowed down by difficult terrain. However, each model entering or moving through difficult terrain must take a Dangerous Terrain test.

All bikes can use the Turbo Boosters special rule.

Each bike in a unit may fire with one weapon for each rider on the bike. Thus a Space Marine attack bike with a driver and passenger in sidecar can tire with two weapons. II rapid fire weapons are mounted on a bike, then they are allowed to fire once up to maximum range even if the bike moved. In addition, rapid fire weapons and heavy weapons may be fired if the unit moves and the bike is still allowed to charge into close combat in the same turn.

Bike assault moves are not slowed down by difficult terrain, However, each model entering or moving through difficult terrain must take a Dangerous Terrain test.

As bikes are so fast moving, they will fall back 3D6" after failing a Morale check, rather than 2D6".

Bikes are large, solid constructions, and are often fitted with protective armour and shields to deflect and absorb incoming fire. Bike riders benefit from the protection offered by their bike, and increase their Toughness characteristic by 1. Note that this increase does not affect the model's Toughness when adjudicating Instant Death.