Had a little lowside @ Grattan a couple weeks back and ground down the end of my right side bar to a nice 45 degree angle. The bar end is still on, but it's ground down too, of course. Mechanically, everything works fine. Plus, I have a spare clip-on if needed, but I don't want to change it if I don't have to. Any instructors out there who can give me some feedback on whether or not I'll have a tech issue? Thanks!
In my opinion, the things that matter are functionality of controls and safety. Does this problem cause binding of the throttle twistgrip? Is there a chance that the piece might fail in use? Could it cut or puncture you or another rider? If the answer to these questions is obviously "No," then I'd pass it.
Chances are that if your bar end has touched the ground in a crash, your bar is bent. Why risk it? Pull the bar and check it for straightness. Make sure the bar end is secured and you're good to go.