Norton discontinued its 600 cc models to concentrate on production of the 650SS, which quickly gained a reputation as the "best of the Dommies"[attribution needed].

It was finished in polychromatic blue and a bright red seat with white piping and much chrome plate, and a special exhaust system only fitted to the Manxman.

[6] A European styled version of the Manxman was shown in early 1962 at the Amsterdam International Auto Show and went on sale in April that year as the 650SS.

The 650SS was finished with a black frame with silver fuel tank and optional chrome fenders.

[5] In February 1962 Motor Cycling magazine achieved a best one-way speed of 119.5 mph (192.3 km/h) at MIRA with a 650SS.