A device for absorbing shocks, in particular for two-wheeled vehicles, having at least a chamber filled with a fluid medium; at least a piston means (20) movable in the longitudinal direction of the chamber which divides the chamber at least into a first subchamber (21) and at least a second subchamber (22); at least a valve positioned between the first subchamber (21) and the second subchamber (22) which can be brought into at least two different positions, wherein at least in a, first valve position with the piston means applying a force relative to the chamber substantially no medium flow occurs at least in a first direction from the second subchamber (22) into the first subchamber (21); wherein at least in a second position of the valve (28), with the piston, means applying a force relative to the chamber, medium flow occurs at least in the first direction from the second subchamber (22) into the first subchamber (21).