Crankshaft grinding shop in France

I think that I’m going to need the crankshaft reground. It doesn’t look too bad, but it measures right at the bottom end of the range (marginally below perhaps), although this was only done with basic digital callipers. The shells look well worn. The strip down was only done to trace the reason for low oil pressure when hot, and the con rods could be rocked about a bit, so I think that getting professional advice on the state of the journals would be best.

Does anyone have experience of, and can recommend a machine shop in France, ideally one that has experience of Norton crankshafts? I live fairly centrally in France, near Limoges, but I’m willing to travel to get the job done.

Thanks

Ray

I know this is hijacking but all I could think of was hordes of boat people landing on Our Sunny Shores all running up the beach carrying bike crankshafts...

Saintonge Rectification in Saintes are quite familiar with Norton crankshafts but hurry because I've heard the owner is near retirement.
Cheers.

You really do need someone familiar with Norton cranks or you won't get the correct radius on the journals
No doubt you already know this
But just incase you don't

Hi Ray,
You can give a ring to Gonin Moteurs in Lyon or Rectif'38 in Grenoble if not too far from your place.
Gonin Moteurs have a wide experience with british vintage bikes and cars. Be prepared to a long turnaround time!
Rectif'38 is a one-guy shop, very easy to deal with and highly reliable in terms of cost / quality / turnaround time. He works on Norton and Guzzi parts. He did a re-bore for me, but not sure that he works on crankshafts. Just ask him.
In any case (as mentioned here above), point out the specifities of a Norton crank!

laurentdom said:

Hi Ray,
You can give a ring to Gonin Moteurs in Lyon or Rectif'38 in Grenoble if not too far from your place.
Gonin Moteurs have a wide experience with british vintage bikes and cars. Be prepared to a long turnaround time!
Rectif'38 is a one-guy shop, very easy to deal with and highly reliable in terms of cost / quality / turnaround time. He works on Norton and Guzzi parts. He did a re-bore for me, but not sure that he works on crankshafts. Just ask him.
In any case (as mentioned here above), point out the specifities of a Norton crank!

Click to expand...

Limoges to Grenoble is a long way Laurent!

ericg said:

Saintonge Rectification in Saintes are quite familiar with Norton crankshafts but hurry because I've heard the owner is near retirement.
Cheers.

Click to expand...

I took the crank along to Saintonge Rectification today, and he couldn't have been more helpful. He measured the crank properly, and declared it within limits in diameter and ovality. He polished up the crank pins. He did all this on the spot and would not accept any payment. He even coped cheerfully with my clumsy French.

Thanks for the recommendation Eric. Thanks also to everyone else who replied.

Ray

I'm glad Ray. If you happen to come to Bordeaux please let me know.

Sounds like a win Ray.

For future reference, Mr Norton in France is Bruno Perlinski.

Of course, unfortunately for both you and me, he is in Lille! But his knowledge is great and so are his skills with machine tools, engine building and welding.

I have made the trip from Normandy a few times. Having met him and his family whilst they were racing in the UK.

I agree Steve, and he's a very nice guy.