Thanks everyone for your help. I'll loosen the 2 screws that hold it on the handlebar. It makes sense. I thought this might have to happen but that's not what I was told, glad you guys assured me. I appreciate it.

 

I loosened the two main T27 screws (not T25 like the switch cap screws) that hold the master cylinder/handbrake assembly on the bars and you were all correct, it was then easy to slide the grip off my 08 EG Classic.
Thanks again to everyone.