anything special that i need to do to change out a battery on a 2001 hugger?

There should not be anything special about a battery change out. I like to take the negative off first because if you don't do this while taken the positive off if you touch the frame or ground it will arc.

+1 on removing the negative/black cable first.
Don't forget that the liquid in the battery is acid, get it on your clothes and you'll have a hole there.
Make sure the new battery is fully charged before you put it in.
Make sure to wipe up any/all leaked acid quickly, on tools or your bike.
I think that might be it for a change out.

thanks guys.....1 problem though. i charged it after i put it in. will i have any problems because i did this?

No you should not have a problem charging the battery after you installed it. If you don't ride it often then you should get yourself a battery tender. This will keep it charged when your not riding it.

yeah, i've got one. that's how the last battery lasted 6 years. the only thing i don't like about it, is that i need to take off the chrome cover from the battery everytime i hook it up.

Seems like you have the kind that uses alligator clips. You can get one that is permanent that hooks up to the terminals and has a connection outside the chrome cover. It will cost you about $40. You will see the clips but it also has the hook-ups

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-02 ... 605&sr=8-2

just looked it up $22 plus shipping that is a great price. Click on see price in cart to see the low price.

Hope this helps.