Not sure if you're able to make it out, but the brass colored bracket at the top of the photo is the mount that you install to affix the antenna to. The antenna is magnetic and sticks to it with no issues. I've had mine since 2013 and no issues.
I moved mine to on top of the fairing for better reception.
Same here. When I put the 6.5 in my Ultra I did a little research and decided this would be the best spot to mount the antenna. No issues at all with reception.
I second putting the antenna on top of the dash. I used a small rat tail file and filed a slot for the wire to go through behind the windshield. I used silicone to stick it down to the dash. I will still lose signal if I'm behind a building but I do that in my truck and my wifes car. I have much less trouble losing signal in trees though.