Dusted off and fuelled up: Canepa rides Haga’s legendary Yamaha R7

With the Yamaha Racing Experience (YRE), Yamaha has created a special event. This event is aimed at owners of an R1M, R1, R9, R7 or R6 – including all high-performance GYTR variants – who want to test their limits and experience the thrill of racing on a circuit. The fact that the Japanese manufacturer’s top riders are taking part is what makes the YRE so appealing.

This year’s venue was the Misano World Circuit. On 18 and 19 June – immediately following the 2026 World Superbike Championship round – the regular Superbike riders returned to the circuit, supported by legends and other riders. Road Racing Manager Niccolo Canepa didn’t need much persuading either and slipped into his leather suit. The former racing rider got to try out a special Yamaha.

“I had the chance to ride Noriyuki Haga’s R7,” beamed the 38-year-old. “The Yamaha Racing Experience 2026 was simply brilliant! Being out on the track with our Superbike and EWC riders and having so much fun pushing the R9 to its limits! Seeing legends like Agostini, Cadalora and Lavado back on their motorbikes is a testament to passion, tradition and racing DNA.”

The exclusive R7 (only 500 were built) was Yamaha’s answer to bikes such as the Honda RVF750-RC45 and the Ducati 916 series. Noriyuki Haga secured a total of five wins and 13 podium finishes in the 1999 and 2000 seasons. This motorbike has nothing in common with the current R7 used in the World Superbike Championship and WorldWCR.