anyone any idea which manual would be best to get for an xt400 seeing as there doesnt seem to be one specifically for it.how close is it to the xt600?

I have one too - a 1992 Artesia...same as an XT600 for the same years as far as I can tell.My dealer says the only difference is the piston and carbs.Have yet to put it against an XT600 to see how closr they are.

You have to search for an XT550 service manual , since the XT400 is the same bike with different piston/sleeve, carburettor and exaust - but it's electrics (and frame obvoiusly) are different from XT600 !

If you may read French, the R.M.T. Revue Moto technique , edited by www.etai.fr is well done, but I think that would be possible to "borrow" it from a Dealer , since is a pretty old bike ..