I usually load my sled in the bed of my truck; the sled deck isn't needed for most trips, and even if it weren't a hassle to get it loaded (I usually need to use the truck for truck stuff on a regular basis, so I can't just leave it in all winter), I burn quite a bit more diesel lugging the extra weight and wind resistance around. The sled stays pretty clean, but like
@chevy_man said, we don't see as much wet, slushy, salty stuff here. It usually wasn't an issue on the sled deck either. I'm sure it'll bite me sooner or later, but I plan to keep being poor and lazy, loading it in the bed with no cover.
Anyway, I gotta say: Polaris is doing a great job with that 9R! It's such a hit, we've all accepted that it's the greatest thing ever, and we should all sell a kidney (if need be) and buy one. Such universal agreement that we've moved on to arguing about how to transport them! I saw a proud 9R owner earlier today - at least I think that's what it was - truck with a sled deck and nothing on it.