Motorbike hobby side business?

[crofty1984]

Apologies for what I imagine is a common thread, but search is a bit wappy on PH.

In (hopefully) brief:
I like motorbikes. Especially fixing up projects. Once I get my shed built I fancy the idea of always having a bike on the go to restore/customise/etc alongside my long-termers. Then flog it to buy the next one.

I'm not looking to generate an "income" from it, just at best a hobby that pays for itself/I don't lose too much money on. I understand that if I, say, buy a bike for £3k, sell for £4.5k and then buy a £4.5k bike to do up, do I owe any tax on that £1500?

By the time I'd factored in costs, my time, tools, etc I'd probably be making a loss in reality, but like I say, it's a hobby. I just want to make sure I'm not going to be in trouble with the taxman if I bought and sold 3-4 bikes a year. I know some say if you buy one vehicle with the intention of making a profit then it's a business.

[bogie]

Yes, if you already have a job and pay income tax then its a 2nd job/business with self employed status ...of course you can offset many costs for running the business, but any profits you pay 25% or 40% tax on as normal.

[Truckosaurus]

Somewhat similarly, a mate of mine has a 'hobby business' buying tat from boot sales and antique fairs, and flogging on eBay. Makes a couple of grand after tax a year to pay for his holidays. Puts the profits through a self assessment form.

I suspect the bigger issue will be some punter claiming warranty work off you as you are a trader not a private seller.