A shock absorber is provided a piston stroke dependent variable shock absorbing characteristics by a first and second flow restrictions associated with a piston. The first and second flow restrictions are arranged in a fluid path for communicating first and second working chambers defined within a shock absorber cylindrical housing in series. The first flow restriction associated with an orifice forming a part of the fluid path and has a predetermined relief pressure, for providing a predetermined first fixed flow restriction rate in response to a pressure difference between the first and second chambers smaller than or equal to the relief pressure and providing a second variable flow restriction rate in response to a pressure difference between the first and second chambers greater than the relief pressure. The second flow restriction is associated with the orifice for providing a third variable flow restriction rate variable depending upon the pressure difference between the first and second chamber.
