<p>A variable damping force shock absorber has a two separate bounding and rebounding fluid flow path, which the bounding fluid path is active for permitting fluid flow in a piston bounding stroke and the rebounding fluid path is active for permitting fluid flow in a piston rebounding stroke. A first flow restriction device is associated with the bounding fluid path for adjusting fluid flow path area of the bounding fluid path, which first flow restriction device is variable of magnitude of fluid flow restriction for adjusting damping characteristics for piston bounding stroke. A second flow restriction device is associated with the rebounding fluid flow path, which second flow restriction device is variable of flow restriction magnitude for adjusting damping characteristics for piston rebounding stroke. The first and second flow restriction devices are operable independently of each other.</p>
