Few questions about buying a scooter/motorcycle

[Hobbit112]

Lots of good, useful information here.  I will add what little I know on this subject.

From what I have heard and read, you do need all the paperwork from all the past owners, and it must be the originals!  Keep these safe at home but be sure you carry copies of all of it in case you are stopped at an inspection point.  If you are asked for it all and you don't have copies with you I have heard your bike could be impounded until they are produced.

I did not know you needed a Philippine Driver's License to purchase a new bike, good to know as I plan on buying one.  I had heard that you need to have an ACR card first in order to apply for a Driver's License as a foreigner. 

In the US as long as you are paying cash for a vehicle and have ID you are good to go, no need of a Driver's License, at least in the State I came from.