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That's a good shout on the manual, can see a point in time I'd look to want to go further afield on a bike , and do different types of riding
Thanks for the tips on kit too
chrismanc-
Always do a geared 125 CBT. It means you can still ride a scooter but you have had your license validated for a manual bike. It is senseless to do scooter-only unless you work for deliveroo.
There’s a lot of casual-looking kit that still features CE-rated armour. Be careful about fit and try things on. Make sure you put a proper back-protector in as most garments are sold with a flimsy piece of foam in the pocket but no armour where it counts.
Get proper motorcycle boots if you can. Not necessarily tall race boots, but something like the TCX ROOK which have ankle protection but are still comfortable to walk in. I wore mine as waterproof boots for a recent 5-day trip in Cologne. Warm dry feet, and not too heavy. No blisters. True to size as well.
Avoid any dual carriageways, it’s more pleasant on A-roads.
pdlouche
sportsbikeshop.com is good for gear.
Heard their returns policy is decent, but not experienced it firsthand.
Re helmets, I tend to look the SHARP rating (government body that rates the impact protection of various lids) and go for a 4 or 5 star rated one.
As said elsewhere, internal visors are quite handy (but some hate them), pinlock is an anti fog system, some think it is great, I am ambivalent with varying degrees of success.
I used to wear thin running gloves inside my motorcycle gloves, all the thermal underwear, thin beanie inside the helmet, etc. to try and keep a bit warmer on my commute.
RE: CBT, might be worth finding your local rising school and book in, bikes, helmets, gloves, jackets, tend to be available if you don't have one yet.
Recommend having a go on a geared 125 as well as the twist and go, just in case you get a taste for it and want to up your efforts and get a full license, they will likely have both (and possible both out on the day you do your CBT)