My main emotion, masking any potential excitement, was one of fear. Would I ever see my children again or would I fall foul to some horrific accident on my first journey on the Honda PCX 125?

Videoman Paul (expert bike-rider, at least in his own head although admittedly he is still alive) drove me down from North West London to the amazing Honda Institute in Colnbrook – they really ought to consider offering day trips.

It was a tense trip to say the least. I do appreciate that there is only so much reassurance that a person can give, and Paul had reached his limit after 15 minutes. Sadly my need for it extended for the entire hour-long journey.

My agony was further prolonged when we arrived, as my contact had taken a bike for a spin – occupational hazzard I suppose working with so many lovely toys. Paul was happy watching and naming aeroplanes flying overhead (the Institute lies a few metres from Heathrow’s runways) – I made him take his anorak off.

Then it appeared, being wheeled towards me – if only it were in slow motion to show off its shiny black bodywork and chrome trim. This was exciting.

So what is the PCX 125?

This is Honda’s all-new scooter with fuel-saving Idle Stop technology. It’s compact yet still has the look of a bigger bike and is actually rather gorgeous with great curves and flowing lines. Looks great in white too (the alternative colour scheme)…

What I like best of all though is the sitting position with its low seat height for my petite size and very spacious footrests which makes me feel quite secure when I’m riding it. There’s a little back or rather bottom rest although I’m still normally so tense that I forget to relax and lean into it.

The lights are permanently on (of course) and there is a switch to turn off the idle stop although I’m not sure why you would do that. I find it so satisfying when you come to a stop at lights and the engine goes silent. No only is the lack of noise rather soothing, but also the fact that you’re saving fuel and the environment . The dials are easy to see although a clock would have been a nice touch. Under the seat is a very handy lockable storage compartment which keeps my helmet out of the way with room to spare for a handbag. Paul has returned from a trip to Waitrose with this compartment full of goodies.

And all for the price of £2420, enabling you to get into town without having to pay the congestion charge, cheap parking and the ability to ride around for 100 miles for a few pounds.

That expression ‘like riding a bike’ I suppose is true, although I experienced a scary few seconds before this kicked in. So a couple of wobbles and off I went.

I kept trying to remember all the things I had learnt in my CBT. Shoulders down, relax, be assertive on the road and hold your position. Indicate, life saver – although I never seem to be able to see much past the side of the helmet, cancel indicator, shoulders down, relax, mirrors and enjoy!

Needless to say I did get home in one piece!